In a world that should be progressing towards inclusivity and equality, disabled people in the UK find themselves in an increasingly hostile climate. Recent government decisions, such as dismissing a proposed cost-of-living crisis payment to disabled people, scrapping the minister for disabled people, and the government’s plan to increase sanctions for those on benefits, feel like a relentless attack on the disabled community.
Embarking on the journey of employment while managing a disability or long-term health condition can feel daunting, and the fear of compromising benefits adds an extra layer of uncertainty. We are here to provide guidance, share real stories from the team at Evenbreak, and point you towards various resources on our Career Hive that may be helpful in navigating benefits and work.
The Absence of Representation
Last year, the UK government, under the leadership of Rishi Sunak, chose to scrap the minister for disabled people. The decision to downgrade the post sent a chilling message regarding the concerns and rights of disabled individuals. This follows on from the proposed welfare changes set out in the Autumn Statement 2023, a policy of forcing disabled people to work via benefit sanctions, which Evenbreak called out as a lack of compassion, inhumane and a waste of talent.
In contrast to the UK’s current political culture, in Spain, Mar Galcerán has recently made history as Spain’s first parliamentarian with Down’s Syndrome. “Society is starting to see that people with Down’s Syndrome have a lot to contribute. But it’s a very long road.” The Guardian reported that Galcerán hoped her presence in the regional parliament would help to dismantle the many prejudices that continue to linger in society, particularly when it comes to people with Down’s Syndrome. “I want people to see me as a person, not just for my disability.”
Having a dedicated minister for disabled people in the UK provided a crucial voice in government, advocating for policies and initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by our community. The absence of such representation raises concerns about the government’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. Hannah Cockroft, the seven-time Paralympic gold medal winner, spoke out recently. “The segregation between Paralympians and every other disabled person is damaging. Britain is an incredibly scary place for every disabled person right now. You feel targeted with every announcement that comes out; you feel unsupported.”
(You can sign the petitions to Appoint a Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work via UK Government and Parliament Petitions here and Make The Minister of State for Disabled People a Permanent Ministerial Position via Change here.)
The High Cost of Being Disabled
Adding to the challenges faced by disabled individuals is the grim reality of a rising cost of living. Last year, Evenbreak surveyed over 3,000 disabled people with the market research company YouGov, showing disabled people were struggling to earn enough money and their mental health had been negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. The research showed that 47% have been negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, and 30% of disabled people said their current income is no longer enough to live on as a result.
According to Scope, a leading disability charity, the cost-of-living crisis disproportionately affects disabled people. The financial strain is a result of increased expenses related to disability, such as specialised equipment, healthcare, and accessibility modifications. The Scope campaign highlights the urgency of recognising and addressing the specific financial burdens faced by disabled individuals. From higher utility bills to increased costs of accessible transport, the impact on the quality of life for disabled individuals is profound. Scope’s ‘Disability Price Tag’ research in 2023 found that on average life costs £975 more for disabled households.
In terms of cost-of-living, not only does it cost more to be disabled, but there is also a disability pay gap, where disabled employees earn on average 14.6% less than non-disabled employees. Despite the financial strain faced by disabled individuals, this month the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has dismissed a call from MPs to increase future payments to disabled people to help with the cost-of-living crisis.
Nothing About Us Without Us
In the face of these challenges, we acknowledge the resilience and strength of the disabled community. Advocacy becomes more critical than ever to ensure that the voices of disabled individuals are heard, and our rights are upheld. Although we shouldn’t have to, disabled people play an essential role in amplifying our voices and creating a more inclusive society. As the saying goes, nothing about us without us.
Recently, David Rollins, an unpaid welfare rights advisor, was sentenced to prison for six months. This was for trying to take his own life in his local Jobcentre to draw attention to the harm caused by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and its private sector assessment providers Maximus and Capita. He was driven to a suicide attempt due to “anger and despair” at the imminent reassessment of both of his disability benefits. He desperately wants to see a change in the department’s culture and attitude to claimants, and he says he will continue to campaign.
As individuals, we can contribute to change by staying informed, challenging discriminatory practices, and supporting initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusivity. Dr Shani Dhanda, one of Evenbreak’s ambassadors, called for disabled people to be paid fairly after receiving her first unpaid speaking request of the year 9 days into 2024. It is a common occurrence for Dr Dhanda, a Multi-Award-Winning Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Strategist, to receive requests for unpaid work.
Dr Dhanda posted: “Disabled people earn less and have higher living costs on average than those who are not disabled, so it is unsurprising that the cost-of-living crisis has had more of an impact on us. We are currently facing worsening discrimination and a growing risk of poverty and destitution as a result of government failures to tackle problems ranging from welfare benefits to employment. That’s why expecting disabled people to work for free isn’t just a disservice, it perpetuates inequality within the disability community.”
Career Hive Resources for Disabled People
The benefits process can be stressful, confusing, and punitive. On our Career Hive, we have carefully curated a range of resources to connect you with support organisations, providing valuable knowledge and empowering you to make informed decisions.
One of the most informative resources on benefits and disability is Disability Rights UK, who host a wide range of fact sheets that contain information on every benefit that is potentially applicable to disabled individuals. They also have briefing information on Cost of Living Help.
Turn2Us help people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants, and other financial help, while Better Off Calculator provide a simple, independent benefits calculator to find out what benefits you could get, how to claim and how your benefits will be affected if you start work.
Explore our Career Hive resources on money and finances.
What is Universal Credit?
Universal credit (UC) is a benefit paid to people of working age who are on a low income. You can claim it if you are looking for work, if you are unable to work through sickness or disability if you are a lone parent, if you are caring for someone or if you are working and your wages are low.
Universal credit provides for your basic living expenses. You can claim it to cover just your needs if you are a single person, or those of your partner and/or children if you have a family. It can be paid on its own if you have no other income, or it can top up other benefits or earnings.
Alanna, Administrative Assistant at Evenbreak, shares her experience of the benefits system: “Claiming benefits was something I had never envisioned having to do since being employed in some capacity from the age of 16. Claiming benefits became a necessity after being diagnosed with a fluctuating condition that is energy-limiting. A complete overhaul in my approach to life and work was required. Trying to navigate the current benefits system is infuriating and anxiety-inducing. The full process is laborious and having to “prove” how disabled you are and being judged by how you answer a question is demeaning and wholly unfair.
Growing up in a wee mining village where everybody thinks they know others business hearing the phrase “they’ve never worked a day in their life and claiming everything” brings a certain level of shame and embarrassment at the idea of claiming benefits. It can also cause a hesitance to claim the benefits that you are entitled to.
It’s a stigma attached to benefits that has to change!
Those living with long-term health conditions and disabilities are discriminated [against] enough without being almost punished for seeking financial help to live the life they deserve.”
Universal Credit if you are employed
You can earn a certain amount before your Universal Credit payments are reduced if you or your partner are responsible for a child or young person or have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work. Find out more from NI Direct
Katy, Marketing Coordinator at Evenbreak, shares her story: “I found work with Evenbreak, and had to notify UC that I was now in work. I did that and I thought that they would withdraw my UC altogether, but I still get a very small amount, not much but it’s something. Every 6 months or so, they’ll check ‘Is this still the situation; are you still working these hours?
If you earn more than a certain amount, you don’t get any UC, but if – like me – candidates do still get UC, you need to keep your information up to date with how many hours you’re working and household details such as relationship status. Recently, however, I was notified that my UC payment had been stopped, with no explanation.”
Disability Benefits
Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance are payable whether or not you are working. They are not means-tested, so earnings do not affect the amount of your benefit. Starting a job may suggest that your daily living, care or mobility needs have changed, so your benefit entitlement could be reconsidered. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) views starting or leaving work as a potential ‘change of circumstances’ for PIP and DLA.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) can be claimed for children under the age of 16.
Attendance Allowance is for those who have reached the pension age when they claim.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people between the ages of 16 and pension age who need help taking part in everyday life or who find it difficult to get around. In Scotland, PIP has been replaced by Adult Disability Payment. PIP comes in two parts: a daily living component – for help taking part in everyday life; and a mobility component – for help with getting around. You can be paid either the daily living component or the mobility component on its own, or both components at the same time.
Find out more about Personal Independence Payment news and download a free guide to making a claim from Disability Rights UK.
Annie, Marketing Coordinator at Evenbreak, shares their experience of the benefits system. “At the Jobcentre, I was referred to the disability advisor, who was amazing, she had an autistic son and understood what I was going through. The benefits system is often awful, but individuals working there can be exceedingly kind. Although I had recently been signed off work for stress, I felt the pressure to find work again, and the constant need for checking in was exhausting and anxiety-inducing. I also tried to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which took me forever as my mental health was bad, and I was rejected. Despite including my counsellor’s contact details on the form for evidence, DWP had not contacted her. My counsellor informed me this is extremely common (she supports a lot of disabled people and is disabled herself), that PIP is often refused the first time, that you need to appeal to a tribunal, and that the DWP are relying on people not appealing. I did not appeal the decision as I did not have the capacity. I find it disgusting yet unsurprising that the system that should be supporting people is unjust and causes more stress than benefit.”
Although the benefits system seems to be designed to put people off applying, there is help out there. Visit Scope’s website to find help on completing benefit claim forms, with advice and links to other support organisations. Despite the difficulties faced, it is possible to both work and claim benefits simultaneously, as some staff at Evenbreak do. Many of Evenbreak’s inclusive employers offer flexible working patterns or hours, making it possible to work while on benefits.
Evenbreak’s Job Board
At Evenbreak, we all have lived experiences of disability, and this shapes our values as an organisation. Our job board is tailored to the unique needs of individuals managing long-term health conditions or disabilities and connects you with employers committed to creating inclusive workplaces. Explore opportunities where your unique talents are not just valued but celebrated.
Naomi, Bookkeeper at Evenbreak, explains why candidates should look for employment on our job board: “Evenbreak is great because it takes a lot of (the fear of disclosing your disability) away, as employers are expecting you at some point to say ‘Yes, I am disabled’.
You know they are looking for people with disabilities, simply by advertising on our site. It takes the pressure off disclosing and when to disclose, because you know they are expecting you to say it at some point. Whereas with any other employer, you go through, the assumption is that you’re not disabled.
Disclosing disability at any point can be very frightening; I found that was the biggest barrier for me – when to disclose. And with Evenbreak, it didn’t matter.”
Interested in exploring your employment options? Browse our Job Board
In the face of systemic challenges and governmental neglect, the disabled community in the UK continues to navigate a hostile environment marked by financial strain, discrimination, and a lack of representation. The dismissal of the minister for disabled people and the refusal to address the cost-of-living crisis underscore the urgent need for change.
At Evenbreak, our mission is to connect disabled candidates with inclusive employment opportunities tailored to your unique needs and talents. Additionally, we are committed to empower you by offering resources such as career coaching, and links to relevant organisations to assist you in navigating benefits.
Although the challenges faced by disabled people in the UK have intensified, we aim to highlight how many employers are still dedicated to inclusion and in providing the same opportunities in the workplace for disabled people.
Evenbreak’s job board offers a unique space where the fear of disclosing a disability is alleviated, and employers actively seek diverse talents. We encourage you to explore the opportunities available. As Naomi says “Don’t be afraid to take positive action yourself. I know a lot of people will have lost hope by now, but it’s still there.”
Annie Hyde, Marketing Coordinator
*Evenbreak does not give benefits advice.* This article is meant to provide you with guidance, links to other organisations, and real stories from the Evenbreak team.
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