Benefits Claimers

I think the only way they can do this is by going into high schools and getting those kids who are failing in education for whatever reason - difficult home circumstances, attention deficits, dyslexia, high functioning autism - and getting them gradually moved over from schooling into courses and apprenticeships, pathways to work.

Before these teens spiral into very serious mental health difficulties.

I think that's where they have to start anyway - that should decrease the huge uptick in new applications from young new claimants.

The change in the current descriptors is a concern. I looked at my son's points and he has several 4 point scores but he is only 26yrs old and he definitely could be doing more work if he could get more supported hours. He only has 6 hours supported paid employment just now.

I'd be delighted if he was given full time supported employment he could manage so we will see what happens. I'd feel his future would be more secure if he could get permanent, paid and supported employment but there's just not enough work for people who need continual support in our area.

But it certainly is NOT the case that EVERYONE will be made to look for work.

Anyone with 4 points on just one descriptor will continue to get pip. I don't know if that means they automatically get LCWRA but, if it does, there will still be many disabled people who will not need to look for work.

It is of course a money saving exercise so how they are going to fund this extra support remains to be seen. I am sceptical.

A worrying time but just need to wait and see. Might never happen.

Totally agree @Amaya_Ringo. I have my disabled son referred to above who is on full benefits and has support workers on account of his learning disability more than his autism.

But i actually think my 4 others who are cognitively able autistic but much higher functioning than my disabled son have had it tougher. 3 of the 4 have mental health issues.

One had a very serious suicide attempt where he ran in front of a truck and badly damaged both legs. Fortunately, with the addition of some metalwork and grafts he has only been left with a minor limp and, 15 years later, is in a much better place and settled into full time work with his own family.

My daughter took an overdose at 16 - not too serious and more of a cry for help. She is now happier out of school and in college.

And another son has had suicidal ideation and is on anti depressants.

He's in work too though - none of them are disabled by autism and all are actually much happier engaged in work so, as long as they don't burn out, they'll do fine.

@Albus_Scope From what i understand, school absence is at record high since the pandemic. And a lot of these teens aren't with their friends (not in person anyway) they are in darkened bedrooms online gaming all night and asleep all day!

They are becoming isolated and anxious. And depressed. Others live in a toxic social media world of body dysmorphia and eating disorders.

Imagine how their life chances and confidences could soar if only they had that work mentor to skill them up, get them off their computers, get them talking to people! If they saw a future, bit of cash in their pockets.

It's a tragedy what's happening to our teens. Many young lads especially are in desperate need of a decent male role model to put them back on track.

And then the poverty - families where kids cannot get to school as they're in crisis - no regular meals, up all night witnessing violence in the home.

These are the kids that are becoming disabled through socio economic factors and could - God willing - be saved through work.

This terrifies me. I could not prove I'm seeking work because I'm too disabled to work.

Same here.

I never thought they would target over 60's disabled.

I think schools need to learn how to pick up children with learning difficulties. Teachers/schools need to listen to parents. I have children that struggle in school. I am sure my daughter has adhd and difficulties in focusing. Spoke to the school but they aren’t any help at all.
also they need to learn themselves that children don’t all learn the same way.
I struggled at school and got no help. And I see my children with the same problem with concentration issues.
my son struggled in school and hated it, just like my other children. So did my daughter who was the only one assessed and it turned out she has dyslexia and specific memory problems . She’s now working. And is a fully qualified hair dresser. My son who struggled is a builder and is working.
I’ve always told my children not to allow the school to place the pressure on, the schools will, but I tell them to try their hardest and when they have done that and they know they have done that, then dismiss all that the schools tell them.
the amount of times my children have come home stressed and depressed. And I have to work hard to undo all the issues they have caused them. Not everyone learns at the same speed or the same way. Schools need to find a way to work with kids in the way they need to. If they can identify children that are book smart and can learn from books and set up lessons accordingly, and those who learn by watching and in practical ways teach them accordingly.
you will then have children that are successful. Take the pressure and shame off them .
the more relaxed yet structured atmosphere the quicker they will learn.
I’ve not had to force my children into work, it’s been their choice. And I shall do the same with my younger ones. Not Judge them because they can’t learn the same way as the schools want them to. But just go in with an attitude that they will give it their all and after that it’s not their problem if it’s not upto the schools standards

Agree with all of that @Georgie1977. I think the entire way education is delivered these days is far more difficult for ND children. In the 70s when I was at school, desks faced forward. It was a rule bound curriculum. We were drilled in how to lay out sums to get the right answers. It didn't matter that we didn't know how that method worked. We all learnt the method.

And discipline was stricter so there weren't kids disrupting classes - they were taken out of class.

Special needs kids went to special needs schools. All that suited the ND mind. There was clarity and rules. Everyone learned the same way at the same time.

Compare to today - classes are chaotic. Special needs children are educated in mainstream classes. That was sort of working for kids born up to the year 2000.

Subsequent to that year, and more so since 2020, the rise of tech (smart phones) and then the economic problems dating back to 2008 have had a massive impact on kids.

Kids start school on the back foot behind in language skills, motor skills, independence skills. These aren't kids that were born with disabilities. They are normal kids born into disadvantage.

By the time these kids get to high school age, they have disengaged with education. And little wonder. They fail every day there. All education now is pushing towards universities. Parents post pandemic are not on board with getting kids into school.

And with life's general gloom these days, kids see no life prospects and mental illnesses are setting in.

Schools are underfunded. Social deprivation is a huge issue. Babies are surviving at earlier gestations and they often have developmental issues.

And - with the current trend of smothering children's independence in the real world but sending them into the online world unfettered, kids are growing up with no resilience and thinking the world is a very scary place.

Personally, i do think some of these kids would be better taken out of school at 14 and up skilled in exactly the things you mention - brickies, plumbers, joiners, hair dressing, etc etc. Trouble is with all the safety legislation in place these days it's not easy.

To decide you're never going to be able to work when you're a teenager - that is tragic. Especially as many saying this have no physical disability. These were babies born normal and made ill by our society.