A rise in ADHD ‘sickfluencers’ has driven a surge in the number of people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions using a £69,000-a-year disability benefits scheme.
Thousands of people are now using the Access to Work scheme – which can hand claimants nearly £70,000 a year for support and equipment – following an increase in advice from influencers discussing ADHD online.
Through the scheme, individuals can bag free items and services including noise-cancelling headphones, Apple smartwatches and work coaches.
Spending on the scheme has surged to £258million in the last financial year, an increase of 40 per cent from 2022 to 2023.
Around a third of all demand is now led by people claiming financial support for mental health conditions – up from just 5 per cent ten years ago – with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) increasingly concerned at the rising cost.
Dozens of users online have posted videos showcasing the benefits of Access to Work, which was launched to help deaf and blind people.
Madeleine Alexander-Grout, who has nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok, told followers she has received thousands from the scheme to assist in running her business, which provides advice and coaching to people with ADHD.
TikToker Amanda Perry uploaded a video advising people on what to do if they have ADHD
A rise in ADHD ‘sickfluencers’ has driven a surge in the number of people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions
Through the scheme, individuals can bag free items and services including noise-cancelling headphones, Apple smartwatches and work coaches
No individual with a mental health or behavioural condition is so far known to have claimed £69,000 in one single year, The Telegraph first reported.
Ms Alexander-Grout, who has previously discussed her medical diagnosis for ADHD, claimed she had claimed £13,000 in one year and £56,000 in another.
In a post, she said: ‘In my first year, I got £13,000 but I realised I needed more support workers because I have got two businesses. Both of them are really busy and there is stuff I just can’t manage to do.
‘And before you all kick off and say ‘you don’t look disabled’. I have multiple hidden disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.’
Meanwhile, TikToker Amanda Perry uploaded a video advising people on what to do if they have ADHD.
‘One of the first things you do if you have ADHD, actually whether you have a business or job – it works for both – is google ADHD Access to Work,’ she said.
Dozens of users online have posted videos showcasing the benefits of Access to Work, which was launched to help deaf and blind people
The Access to Work scheme was launched in 1994 to help disabled people with working life
‘It will take you to the government page where you can apply for up to £62,000 a year in government support for ADHD, whether you’re in a job or you have a business.
‘You can apply for it for practical support and also like coaching and mentoring and training to make your job or business life easier.’
The Access to Work scheme was launched in 1994 to help disabled people with working life.
People can apply for a maximum of £69,260 every year to help them, and are not required to be medically diagnosed with a health condition or disability to be eligible.
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.
‘We recognise that the benefits system needs reform which is why we are expecting to publish major proposals to reform health and disability benefits this Spring, so those who can work, do work, and those who need support get it in a way that’s fair on the taxpayer.’
