Will DWP punish me for treating myself to something when I feel able?

bbt

Sorry to post again, it feels like all I do is post about paranoia and anxiety but it’s all I can focus on at the moment ;;

I receive LCWRA. As a result of being chronically ill I can’t always look after myself and can go days without going any further than my bathroom, but somethings been going round in my head and I wanted to get some advice. 

I’ve been dreaming of getting a new tattoo, and if I manage to save up for it and find a time where I feel emotionally and physically able to make and meet an appointment for it, I am petrified that my benefits will be taken away because I won’t be seen as ‘sick enough.’ If I can afford a treat, I feel like the DWP will somehow know and track that I’ve been getting myself luxuries. I know my daily struggles but I can’t help but be so paranoid; to note. I just feel so much guilt and anxiety around being reliant on benefits, (as shown by one of my previous discussions 😵‍💫,), despite being eligible for them and having no choice but to rely on them. Any reassurance or examples of anything happening to people as a result of doing something like this would be deeply appreciated- I just have no idea if this would be held against me or not.

poppy123456

No, you will not be punished at all. You can spend your money on anything you want to. I had my first tattoo last year as well as going on holiday for 2 weeks. I'm also going on holiday again this year. 

I treat my grand children and save a small amount of money for them each month. I have other treats too and why not, it's my money, not theirs.

Jimm_Scope

Hey @bbt, as you know from the responses to your previous discussion, you aren't alone in these feelings. But the DWP are not checking your bank account to see what you've spent your benefits on. The benefits are there to help you live, part of living is enjoying things now and then. Treating yourself etc. Without a bit of fun and leisure now and then our mental states get worse, which puts us in a worse place in the long run! Your benefits aren't just for basic survival, so get yourself a treat when you can afford it. 

Ironside1990

I bought myself a McDonalds yesterday with my money. It's your money to do what you like.

If you can afford it, you're allowed to treat yourself.

Autism_at_40

I agree with everyone.  
I sometimes feel guilty about what I spend my money on too.. 
But let's face it, we struggle enough of the time, we deserve a treat and to make ourselves a bit better from time to time (or more often if you fancy it and can afford it).

bbt

Thank you all for the comments! So I’m not likely to be punished/have my benefits removed if I did something like getting a tattoo? I know saving for something and feeling well enough to treat myself to one big thing every now and again doesn’t equate to being capable for work, but I’m just so paranoid they’d assume I was exaggerating just because I could manage something nice on occasion. I know I struggle day-to-day but unfortunately it’s harder to explain that to the DWP, who only sees things written on a sheet or bank statement, rather than the person.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @bbt, I understand how anxious these things can make you feel, it's not easy. It's very unlikely they would take away your benefits for getting a tattoo or treating yourself to something nice that you've saved up for  

I was able to save up some of mine in previous years and treated myself to an electric piano. I've also spent my money on holidays and other nice things for myself. And although some of that guilt is always there, no one from the benefits system has ever said anything to me about it so far.

I hope you'll feel up to getting your new tattoo soon. Have you got any ideas of what you'd like to get?

bbt

I’m hoping to get doll joints tattooed on my knees and ankles; doll collecting brings me a lot of joy and I felt like it’d also be a good representation of my muscle and joint pains. In my mind it might help me associate myself and my disabilities with nice things, like the dolls I love so much.

Albus_Scope

I love that tattoo idea @bbt, very thoughtful. 

If you get it done, please post pics here so we can all see.

Rosie_Scope

Sounds great @bbt! I hope you do feel up to it soon let us know!

birdwatcher

Sometimes you need a bit of a lift. I'd go ahead and get your tattoo if that's what you want.