Has media coverage of benefits made anyone else feel guilty claiming PIP?

[JustHereForthePIP]

With all the fury in the media about benefits and scroungers, has it made anyone else feel guilty they get PIP, like it somehow makes you "less than". Or you shouldn't claim if you could scrape by without it?

I realised my household (me and 3 disabled DC) get quite a lot in disability benefits. But as none of us had any issues applying for PIP/DLA (all went through with no appeals, just accepted on the medical evidence) we're probably all quite far over the threshold to need it. As in it's bloody obvious we're disabled.

I think part of the guilt is that I still work as well, although I know it's not an out of work benefit. Oldest DC is in final year at school and also died a supported weekend job to build life skills. So we have other income, but still get DLA/PIP.

No it just shows peoples ignorance
I work FT and also get PIP enhanced daily living and standard mobility
The extra money allows me to pay for therapy, aids, special diet, taxis and higher cost parking as can’t walk far etc

I only started claiming it this year, but the press etc already hated me for being on UC anyway.
It is very sad though... such division over it, and at times I think an attempt to distract people from bigger issues.
I am not going to be made to feel guilty for something I am entitled to, and neither should anyone else.

You're right. It is a lot of money.

But, after some other comments on the thread I added up all the essential therapies we can't keep waiting years for on the NHS, adaptations, academic support, equipment I need to get to and stay in work, basically all the extras that come from being disabled. It's way more than the total of the disability benefits.

And I know I'll need to stop working long before pension age. My DC will age out of specialist education and need more support.

As a lot of other people said, I'd happily give up the PIP to anyone who wanted to take the disabilities that go with it.

Well, the government are reviewing it and want to make changes, so I’d wait and see.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-comprehensive-review-into-pip-finds-it-is-not-fit-for-purpose

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism-interim-report/independent-review-into-mental-health-conditions-adhd-and-autism-interim-report

@JustHereForthePIP Please don’t feel guilty. PIP is there for those who need it. As you say it can help to pay for treatments, therapies etc. that are needed due to disabilities.

I am on high rate for both. Serious mental health difficulties. I have just had my award extended for another 4 years. I have a life long condition that I have recovered from as much as I can. I don’t feel guilty for claiming, I do feel worried they are going to take it away when I have proved time and time again that I qualify.