A 21-year-old student who receives £1,400 per month in benefits has said the guilt is 'eating them alive'. The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC) recipient, who has high-functioning autism, said they sometimes feel they are 'just getting paid for existing'.
Student's dilemma
The student, who lives at home, explained that they were told to 'forget about employment' while studying. Despite having excess income each month, they have barely any savings. They asked fellow Reddit users for advice on dealing with the guilt and discomfort of telling others about their benefits.
Community responses
One reply noted that attitudes towards disabled people have grown hostile, and urged the student not to feel guilty for receiving help they are entitled to. Another commenter shared similar feelings of not being 'disabled enough' to claim benefits, even when eligible. A third advised saying 'I’m living on independent means' when asked about income.
However, one user suggested that if the student could work, they should. The original poster clarified that they are unable to work and can only manage their studies. They said: 'If I didn't claim, I wouldn’t be able to live my life.' The commenter then advised them to stop analysing their worth and enjoy their studies.
The student concluded that their 'better might look a bit different than the average person' and that they push themselves every day.
