With more than 15,000 people being approved for long-term illness or disability payments every week, social media influencers are helping their followers make the most of their benefit claims.
It has been revealed that social media users known as ‘sickfluencers’ are using platforms such as YouTube and TikTok to share advice on securing disability benefits.
Their videos, which have millions of views, provide detailed guidance on assessment scoring criteria and keyword usage, according to research by Channel 4 Dispatches.
The surge comes as claims for disability benefits have increased dramatically, with 3.3 million people expected to claim in 2023, an increase of 1 million from 2019. There is.
YouTuber Charlie Anderson’s video “Uncovering the secret steps to winning a PIP claim” has received 378,000 views
charlie anderson youtube
These online advisors provide claim templates and specific instructions on how to approach benefit evaluations, and some boast success rates in helping their followers make sure they get paid.
This phenomenon has sparked debate over concerns about the ease of use of benefit schemes and the potential for abuse.
The scale of benefit approvals has increased dramatically, from 1,000 approvals per business day before the pandemic to more than 3,000 in March.
The Department for Work and Pensions is currently facing unprecedented pressure, with the number of applicants expected to exceed 4 million by the end of Parliament.
The fiscal impact will be severe, with sickness benefits expected to cost £100 billion by the end of the decade, more than schools, police and courts combined.
These numbers include both new claims and renewals of existing benefits.
Ministers have pledged to reform the benefit system with the aim of dealing with record numbers of people receiving long-term sick pay.
This rapid increase has raised concerns about the sustainability of the current system as the government grapples with rising costs and increasing support levels.
YouTuber Charlie Anderson’s video “Unlock the Secret Steps for Win your Pipclaim” has received 378,000 views, proving the influence of these chicfluencers.
In the video, Anderson claims, “I have a 100 percent success rate in winning people’s pip claims because I understand the points system and how to communicate it in a way that earns points.” There is.
She offers templates on her website and offers a premium service of up to £950 for private sessions.
Other notable figures include Patricia Arman, who runs the TikTok account Witch Mother, which advises her followers to focus on their “absolute worst day.”
Provides detailed guidance for influencers to navigate benefit evaluation
NeurodiverseLIFE TikTok
Liz Jones, known as ‘Pip Angel’ to her 67,000 followers, offers PDF guides and template responses to depression claims.
Supporting People UK tells its 18,600 followers: ‘We share things you don’t want to know’ and regularly posts success stories from followers who have used our advice.
Former DWP assessors have expressed serious concerns about the benefits system and the potential for abuse.
Sarah, a nurse assessor, told Channel 4 she believed some of the claims were genuine and others were lies, but she felt powerless to intervene.
“If at some point someone says they feel suicidal every day, it’s going to reach that level pretty quickly.” [category]” she explained.
Another former assessor, Michael Houston, said staff were paid £80 per case if they met their daily targets, with a potential £400 bonus for handling five additional assessments. It was revealed that there is a sex.
A former general practitioner who works as an assessor said: “What amazes me about this job is how few people I talk to are truly ill and unable to work.”
The attending physician added: “Most of the claims are related to stress and anxiety… But my opinion as a attending physician is not taken into account by this system. It is all about points, risks and other causes. [claimants] It seems like you know them well before you even call them. ”
Influencer provides detailed guidance to navigate merit evaluation, including specific keywords and answers to maximize claims.
Jones warns her followers about “trick questions” such as whether they have pets that can be walked and fed.
The advice drew criticism from nurse evaluator Chanel Ashley, who said: “It’s wrong to tell people what to say to get a high score. People don’t want to tell the truth about their situation. We should talk about it.”
Mr Jones defended his approach, saying he aimed to help people complete claims “independently, accurately and thoroughly” within a complex system.
One GP said their opinion doesn’t matter in this system
P.A.
Similar advice has been shared in online communities on Reddit and Facebook, with users encouraging applicants to describe their “worst day ever.”
Some posts specifically highlighted claims about mental health, with one Facebook user noting: “If you look at the points system, you’re more likely to win an award related to mental health.”
Critics say these online advisors are forcing people to game the system and normalizing unemployment.
One member of the public commented on Jones’ profile: [You are] They are educating the public on how to defraud taxpayers. ”
But advocates say many disabled people would struggle to navigate the complex benefits system without free advice.
Disability charity Scope points to DWP data showing pip fraud rates fell to 0.0% in April, with total overpayments at just 0.4%.
Barbie Advocates, a disability rights activist on TikTok, said: “I have never, and will never, encourage anyone to take advantage of this system, especially with the limited funds available. “We strongly believe that we should support the millions of people with disabilities.”
