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What is in this report?

Scope and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have partnered for this research. This report explores the experiences of disabled people using the benefits system. It highlights the challenges disabled people face. And sets out what disabled people told us needs to change.

Background

We know that life costs more if you’re disabled. Many disabled people who receive Universal Credit live in serious poverty. Most struggle to afford basic needs. And around half are experiencing food insecurity. This means their households had to reduce the amount, quality or variety of food.

In recent years, disability benefits in the UK have been a target for budget cuts across different governments. While the government and the media often talk about the low number of disabled people in work, the focus is mostly on cuts to benefits instead of fixing the barriers to employment.

Even though many disabled people want to work, there is still a gap of around 30% between disabled workers and non-disabled workers. And disabled workers are also more likely to have unstable jobs.

What did the report find?

We asked disabled people on our Lived Experience Research Panel about their experiences of using the UK benefits system. And what they thought could make the system better. This is what they told us:

• The benefits system lacks understanding. There is poor understanding of disability throughout the system. Disabled people feel that it is not there to support them.
• The system is failing disabled people. The system is not working for disabled people who cannot work. It also does not work for those who are already working or wanting to work.
• The process is confusing and stressful. People struggle to understand how the system works and what support they can access. Assessments cause a lot of anxiety and do not address the real barriers disabled people face. Often, disabled people feel they are not believed. They are treated as second class citizens and left in difficult situations.
• Disabled people are harmed by pressure and shaming around benefits. Government and media rhetoric impact negative public attitudes. People are made to feel unvalued by society and many feel forced to justify needing to claim.  
• Health  and the job market are the real barriers. The biggest barriers for disabled people entering the job market are not a lack of skills or motivation. The main challenges are not being well enough (93.8%), work making their condition worse (91.8%), barriers in the job market (86.3%), and fear of pressure from the benefits system (86.3%).
• The benefits system creates its own barriers. Support is either not available for those who need it or is forced on those who do not. The system feels intimidating and impersonal, and sanctions create fear. This leads to distrust. Many people worry that getting support or trying out work could harm their benefits.
• Support offered through Jobcentres does not meet disabled people’s needs. People are not given information they need. And training or support is often not accessible or relevant.
• Disabled people fall or are pushed out of work when employers do not support them. This means that many people could still do their job with adjustments, after a period of sick leave or with a role change. But they are not allowed to do so.

What needs to change?

We asked disabled people what they would like to change about the benefits system. They told us:

• More information and support is needed. This includes:
  • finding suitable work opportunities and training courses
  • offering more personalised support
  • helping with adjustments
  • making changes to Access to Work
  • providing support while in work
• Staff should improve their knowledge of disability. This includes training and hiring more disabled employees.
• The process of trying out work must be risk free. This includes allowing a grace period and changing work restrictions.
• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) needs to collaborate with employers. This will help improve conditions and address the lack of opportunities.
• Employers need to stop people falling out of work. Employers must:
  • make adjustments
  • offer appropriate sick leave
  • improve flexible working options
  • support disabled people if their needs change
• An empathetic approach is essential for support. It should be based on listening and respecting lived experience.
• There needs to be a shift away from a punitive culture. This involves reducing pressure and accepting people’s needs, barriers, and goals. Without the risk of sanctions.
• Support should be accessible and optional. Support must be easy to access, optional, and provide practical help with clear advice. This includes information about their legal rights at work.
• Communication and information must be clearer and more effective. This will help ensure that everyone understands their options and rights.
• We must stop the stigma that harms disabled people. This includes addressing the shaming faced by those who need to claim benefits.
• Trust should be restored through collaboration. Designing services with disabled people will help to rebuild trust and address the power imbalance.

Policy report

JRF and Scope have published a joint policy report, built on findings from this research. It puts forward some broader findings and policy recommendations.

We hope this research highlights the urgent need for change to the Government, policymakers, and everyone involved in the benefits system. Rebuilding our welfare system is essential, so that everyone who needs it is treated with kindness, respect, and trust.

Thank you

We are grateful to the participants of this research who shared their experiences of work and navigating the benefits system with us.

Finally, we are grateful to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation for funding us to undertake this work. 

Support and advice

If the content of this report has affected you, you may like to speak to someone about it. You can contact our helpline by email at helpline@scope.org.uk, or call us on 0808 800 3333. 

If you need to talk to someone urgently, please call Samaritans on 116 123, Mind on 0300 123 3393 or text Shout on 85258.

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