A surge in social media influencers promoting ADHD content has led to a sharp rise in disability benefit claims from people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions.
The Access to Work scheme, which can provide up to £69,000 annually for workplace support and equipment, has seen a surge applications following advice from so-called "sickfluencers".
Claimants can receive benefits including noise-cancelling headphones, Apple smartwatches and work coaches through the programme.
The trend has emerged on platforms like TikTok, where influencers share detailed guidance on accessing the scheme's benefits.
And it has sparked growing concerns from the Department for Work and Pensions over the rising costs of these claims.
Spending on the Access to Work scheme has risen dramatically, reaching £258 million in the last financial year - a 40 per cent increase from 2022 to 2023.
Mental health conditions now account for a third of all claims, marking a significant shift from just five per cent a decade ago.
While overall, disability benefits claims now cost Britain 20 per cent more than the country's entire defence budget.
The scheme, originally launched in 1994 to support deaf and blind people in the workplace, does not require medical diagnosis for eligibility.
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Applicants can receive up to £69,260 annually, though no individual with a mental health or behavioural condition is known to have claimed the full amount in a single year.
TikTok influencer Madeleine Alexander-Grout, who has nearly 70,000 followers, revealed she received substantial support through the scheme for her ADHD coaching business.
"In my first year, I got £13,000 but I realised I needed more support workers because I have got two businesses," she said, later claiming £56,000 in another year.
Fellow content creator Amanda Perry actively encourages followers to apply for the scheme.
"One of the first things you do if you have ADHD... is google ADHD Access to Work," Perry advised in a video, highlighting that applicants can receive "up to £62,000 a year in Government support".
A DWP spokesman emphasised that the scheme's core purpose remains helping disabled people overcome workplace barriers.
"Any support provided is vetted by trained staff to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate," they said.
But the department has also acknowledged the benefits system requires reform.
"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," the spokesman added.
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The Access to Work scheme, which can provide up to £69,000 annually for workplace support and equipment, has seen a surge applications following advice from so-called "sickfluencers".
Claimants can receive benefits including noise-cancelling headphones, Apple smartwatches and work coaches through the programme.
The trend has emerged on platforms like TikTok, where influencers share detailed guidance on accessing the scheme's benefits.
And it has sparked growing concerns from the Department for Work and Pensions over the rising costs of these claims.
Spending on the Access to Work scheme has risen dramatically, reaching £258 million in the last financial year - a 40 per cent increase from 2022 to 2023.
Mental health conditions now account for a third of all claims, marking a significant shift from just five per cent a decade ago.
While overall, disability benefits claims now cost Britain 20 per cent more than the country's entire defence budget.
The scheme, originally launched in 1994 to support deaf and blind people in the workplace, does not require medical diagnosis for eligibility.
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Applicants can receive up to £69,260 annually, though no individual with a mental health or behavioural condition is known to have claimed the full amount in a single year.
TikTok influencer Madeleine Alexander-Grout, who has nearly 70,000 followers, revealed she received substantial support through the scheme for her ADHD coaching business.
"In my first year, I got £13,000 but I realised I needed more support workers because I have got two businesses," she said, later claiming £56,000 in another year.
Fellow content creator Amanda Perry actively encourages followers to apply for the scheme.
"One of the first things you do if you have ADHD... is google ADHD Access to Work," Perry advised in a video, highlighting that applicants can receive "up to £62,000 a year in Government support".
A DWP spokesman emphasised that the scheme's core purpose remains helping disabled people overcome workplace barriers.
"Any support provided is vetted by trained staff to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate," they said.
But the department has also acknowledged the benefits system requires reform.
"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," the spokesman added.
Find Out More...