Gracie E

I feel like the DWP and like government agencies are more focused on saving money and stopping money than helping people. The anxiety it gives me when dealing with the DWP is unreal. I am an Autistic adult with severe ADHD also. Historically I have struggled with my mental health and have In my almost 40 years attempted suicide 4 or 5 times due to absolute burn out and my inability to ask for help.

This time I have asked for help after a life time of struggling I finally applied for PIP. That was in February 2024. So far the DWP have told me I'm not eligible because I'm a parent to my children and I also care for my young nephew. How can I possibly require any help if I can take care of kids. What they don't see is behind the happy healthy kids is an adult who struggles daily to simply survive.

I know the system as it isn't great and costs the government a fortune but when a person has a medical history of years of difficulties and finally asks for help to be told they don't qualify because they're a parent is disgusting. Its absolutely the hardest thing in the world to live with a hidden disability and then to have the courage to admit you're not doing great and need help to be told you don't struggle enough is just ridiculous.

I have my tribunal in maybe July/August with the help of citizens advice but even then making someone with a hidden disability and major anxiety (which often stops them from leaving the house) with through a official tribunal where their abilities and difficulties are questioned is just not person centered and a great way of working at all.

There really has to be a better way.