A rise in ADHD 'sickfluencers' has led to a rise in the number of people with self-diagnosed mental health problems using £69,000-a-year disability benefits.
Thousands of people are now taking advantage of the Access to Work scheme – which can earn claimants almost £70,000 a year for support and equipment – following an increase in advice from influencers discussing ADHD online.
Through the program, individuals can receive free items and services, including noise-canceling headphones, Apple smartwatches and work coaches.
Spending on the program rose to £258m last financial year, an increase of 40 per cent between 2022 and 2023.
Around a third of all demand is now led by people claiming financial support for mental health conditions – up from just 5 per cent a decade ago – with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) increasingly concerned about the rising costs.
Dozens of users have posted videos online showing the benefits of Access to Work, which was launched to help deaf and blind people.
Madeleine Alexander-Grout, who has nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok, told followers she has received thousands of followers from the program to help run her business, which offers advice and coaching to people with ADHD.
TikToker Amanda Perry has uploaded a video advising people what to do if they have ADHD
A rise in ADHD 'sickfluencers' has led to a rise in the number of people with self-diagnosed mental health conditions
Through the program, individuals can receive free items and services, including noise-canceling headphones, Apple smartwatches and work coaches
No person with a mental health or behavioral disorder is known to have claimed £69,000 in one year, The Telegraph first reported.
Ms Alexander-Grout, who has previously discussed her medical diagnosis of ADHD, claimed she claimed £13,000 in one year and £56,000 in the other.
In a post she said: 'In my first year I was given £13,000 but I realized I needed more support staff as I have two businesses. They are both very busy and there are things I just can't do.
“And before you all start saying, 'You don't look disabled.' I have multiple hidden disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.”
Meanwhile, TikToker Amanda Perry has uploaded a video advising people what to do if they have ADHD.
“One of the first things you do if you have ADHD, whether you have a business or a job – it works for both – is Google ADHD Access to Work,” she said.
Dozens of users have posted videos online showing the benefits of Access to Work, which was launched to help deaf and blind people
The Access to Work program was launched in 1994 to help people with disabilities find jobs
'You go to the government page where you can apply for up to £62,000 a year in government support for ADHD, whether you have a job or a business.
'You can go there for practical support, but also for coaching and mentoring and training to make your work or business life easier.'
The Access to Work program was launched in 1994 to help people with disabilities find jobs.
People can apply for up to £69,260 each year to help them, and no medical diagnosis of a health condition or disability is required to qualify.
A DWP spokesperson said: 'Access to Work is designed to help people with disabilities overcome barriers in the workplace, and whilst we cannot comment on specific cases, all support provided is vetted by trained staff to ensure that it is appropriate and proportionate.
'We recognize that the benefits system needs reform and that is why we expect to publish major proposals this spring to reform health and disability benefits so that those who can work, and those who need support, get them in a way that is fair for the taxpayer.”
