New research has laid bare the systemic bullying and harassment faced by Disabled Universal Credit claimants, further highlighting the urgent need for reform in how benefits are administered in the UK.
The research, by Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) Inclusion Scotland, reveals the disturbing extent of mistreatment experienced by Disabled people navigating the benefits system. This mistreatment includes relentless questioning, aggressive tone from DWP staff, and often baseless accusations of fraud.
Key Findings: A Broken System
The findings highlight the systemic nature of bullying and harassment in the benefits system:
- Disproportionate Targeting of Disabled People: Disabled Universal Credit claimants reported significantly higher levels of scrutiny and hostility compared to non-disabled claimants.
- Aggressive Communication: Many respondents described encounters with DWP staff that were dismissive, patronizing, or outright aggressive.
- Baseless Accusations: There is a widespread perception among Disabled claimants that DWP staff assume they are fraudulent without evidence, leading to unwarranted investigations and immense stress.
- Mental Health Impact: The culture of suspicion and hostility has a profound effect on claimants’ mental health, exacerbating existing challenges for Disabled people.
Personal Experiences
One Disabled person interviewed for the research described the experience as “dehumanizing.” They recounted feeling “treated like a criminal for simply needing support.” Another respondent noted how they were subjected to repeated demands for medical evidence, despite providing clear documentation during their initial claim.
These testimonies echo the stories WECIL frequently hears from the people we support in Bristol and the South West. Many claimants report feeling disempowered and humiliated, with the process often worsening their physical and mental health conditions.
Systemic Failures
The research points to systemic issues within the DWP, including a lack of training in disability equality and a target-driven culture that prioritizes cost-cutting over fairness. Disabled claimants are often subjected to disproportionately high levels of scrutiny under the guise of “fraud prevention,” even though evidence shows fraud rates for disability benefits are negligible.
WECIL’s experience echoes these findings. We see Disabled people forced to navigate a system that not only fails to meet their needs but actively harms them. The Social Model of Disability shows that it is systemic barriers—not individual impairments—that disable people. The current benefits system, as it stands, is a glaring example of these barriers in action.
The findings of this research demand urgent reform within the DWP to address its damaging culture. WECIL calls for:
- Mandatory Disability Equality Training: All DWP staff must undergo comprehensive training in disability equality, developed and delivered by DPOs.
- Independent Oversight: An independent body should be established to monitor DWP practices and ensure fair treatment of claimants.
- Co-Production of Policy: Policies affecting Disabled people must be co-produced with DPOs and Disabled individuals to ensure they reflect lived experience.
DPOs
are committed to advocating for a fairer benefits system that respects and supports Disabled people. This includes amplifying the voices of those impacted by systemic bullying and ensuring that their experiences are at the forefront of calls for change.
If you have been affected by these issues and want to share your experience or seek support, please get in touch with WECIL. Together, we can work toward a system that values and empowers Disabled people, rather than punishing them for needing support.
