The reality of life on disability benefits

I started claiming benefits because of my disability when I was 21 - just over 20 years ago. My mum helped me apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

At the time I didn't like talking about my disability, I was determined to get a job and make a living. And that's what I did. But despite having a job, I need benefits to live on, for food and clothes and keep warm. And whilst I want to celebrate the things I can do in life, there are obviously things I need support with because of my learning disability.

What it's like claiming benefits

I don't do negative, so when the form asked me questions about what I can't do, I felt demeaned. It's quite painful actually. I had to write down the worse case scenarios. It goes on and on, it was like pulling teeth!

You have to prove all the time who you are and why you "deserve" this benefit - proof of income, doctors notes, getting parents involved. At times it's a horror.

People with a disability have enough to deal with without having to struggle to get what they need in terms of money so why can't disability benefits be made easier? It needs to be accessible for people with a learning disability.

Some people with a learning disability find it hard to explain themselves. They could be misunderstood and not given the suport they need.

Appealing after you've been rejected

I got a rejection letter for a mobility benefit after a hip replacement operation I had to have because it was worn out. It was horrible - blunt like "computer says no!" It was so stressful.

I was refused the mobility part of DLA as they didn't have enough information about me from the hospital, so I appealed.

I got the evidence to prove I was getting the hip done from the hospital and I went with my mum to the tribunal.

I emphasised my point to the panel clearly. I won the tribunal and was offered either the money or a car; I took the money as I can't drive.

I used the money for taxis to work, aids for sitting down and helping me dress, and a stick to help me pick things up that were too low for me to bend down and pick up.

I had to wait for my money for weeks, which delayed my operation. I hated having to be slung over the hill just to get what I felt was entitled to. People with a disability shouldn't have to be put through a ringer just to get the support they need.

What happens if you lose the appeal?

Some people may not have a good doctor, or support worker or parent that cares and can help them fight for their support.

If they lose the appeal, they'd be worse off financially. They may not be able to pay bills, or feed themselves or have a social life.

Negative attitudes in the media

The media often prints stories about people getting a lot of benefits and there is usually a feeling of negativity around it, which annoys me.

I'm part of society. I contribute to an organisation by being good at my job and I volunteer sometimes as well. I'm paying taxes back into the system that supports me too.

If someone finds it difficult to get work and needs benefits they shouldn't be made to feel bad for being entitled to help from our welfare system. And it's a good system - when we have a system like this and we're paying into it, it says that we have a society that looks after each other.

No-one asks for a disability - don't cut our benefits

The Government has got to think of an accessible system so people can get the benefits they need to be more independent, as no one asks for a disability. The Governemnt is going to make changes to benefits such as cutting tax credits and ESA WRAG, which I don't like as I rely on it.

Anytime there is a change, people who need the benefits lose out, it's happening more often and is not fair.

Mencap is campaigning for people with a learning disability not to lose out when the changes do happen.

Add your voice to the Hear my voice campaign against benefits cuts.