‘Sickfluencers’: How are they impacting the Department for Work and Pensions?

2025-01-29 679

It’s been reported that so called ADHD ‘sickfluencers’ or rather, ‘sick influencers’ has supposedly driven a surge in the number of people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions, who are using a £69,000-a year disability benefits scheme. It’s also been reported that the Department of Work and Pensions is increasingly concerned at the rising costs, as around a third of all demand is now led by people claiming financial support for mental health conditions. The rise in people using the Access to Work scheme, comes following an increase in advice from influencers discussing the scheme online. Since, dozens of users online have posted videos showcasing the benefits of the Access to Work scheme. Though, The Telegraph has reported that no individual with a mental health or behavioural condition is so far known to have claimed £69,000 in one year. A DWP spokesperson said: 'Access to Work is aimed at helping disabled people overcome barriers within the workplace, and while we cannot comment on specific cases, any support provided is vetted by trained staff to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate.”