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Barriers to the Benefits System

Navigating the UK benefits system as a disabled person is rarely straightforward. 

 

Whether you’re applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (UC), Carer’s Allowance, or another form of support —the process can be overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally draining. 

 

We’re here to help break down the barriers in the way.

Reviews and Reassessment

Identifying Changes

May apply to those who:

  • Are neurodivergent

  • Have a cognitive impairment or brain injury

  • Live with an energy-limiting or fluctuating disability

  • Have a progressive condition

  • Have a chronic illness

The barrier:

It’s common for people to forget what they wrote in their original claim. When time comes for a review or reassessment, it can be difficult to remember how they described their condition or when they started to use a certain aid. 

 

We often see people confused about what evidence they need, especially in cases where someone manages their symptoms by long-established coping strategies or if they haven’t had recent updates in specialist input. This makes it harder to explain how their needs have changed—or stayed the same.

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How we help:

  • Securely store key information (with consent) to track and send review reminders in advance.

  • We compare previous application forms with your current situation and latest DWP ruling or reforms.

  • Guidance on describing any changes (if any) to conditions and symptoms since the last claim.

  • Identify evidence for strong claims, even if there have been minimal changes.

Fear of Losing Support

May apply to those who:

  • Living with fluctuating or progressive condiitons

  • Have non-visible disabilities

  • Have anxiety

  • Are neurodivergent

  • Mask or minimise their difficulties.

The barrier:

Many people fear that disclosing information, especially if there's been a change or improvement, might result in losing the vital financial and support they rely on. This concern is rooted from a mix of personal experience, structural problems with the system, and nuanced life changes.

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People often worry that mentioning a “good day” or a coping strategy will be seen as full recovery. The DWP’s harsh reputation and vague decision-making lead many to second-guess themselves, worried that any improvement could result in sanctions or losing their benefits entirely. The consequences of losing an award can be devastating.

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How we help:

  • We work closely with you to articulate your condition accurately by ensuring small improvements aren’t misinterpreted.

  • We advise on evidence gathering, so that you’re prepared.

  • We help you to contact services like Motability and relevant agencies, to prevent service disruption for vital support until a review or appeal outcome is reached.

  • We work with you to devise a plan that addresses potential gaps in support, ensuring you have backup options in place should there be changes in your benefits.

Emotional Toll and Distress

 This applies to those who:

  • Have a mental health condition

  • Have a misundertood or fluctuating condition

  • Have experienced trauma

  • Are neurodivergent

  • Have little access to care

  • have had negative experiences with medical professionals.

The barrier:

 

You’re asked to relive your hardest moments and focus entirely on what it is that you can’t do — in highly personal, often distressing detail. 

 

This can include questions about intimate issues such as using the toilet, needing care you don’t have access to, or facing stigma around mobility aids. 

 

The process can negatively affect self-esteem, bring up trauma, and impact your mental wellbeing. 

How we help:

  • Offer trauma-informed support that works at your pace

  • Support you in writing answers to questions about distressing topics.

  • Make space for breaks, emotional processing, or talking things through without any pressure

  • Provide consistent emotional reassurance throughout the process, especially when it feels overwhelming

  • Adapt sessions to your comfort
    • camera on or off
    • typing in the chat box
    • wearing PJs
    • using stim toys
    • having a pet nearby
    • having a safe person join us
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