24/09/2026
This is Maddy Alexander-Grout, and she is terrified to claim the disability benefits she desperately needs because she fears a public backlash.
People living with severe disabilities say they are being forced to justify their right to a normal life over fears the "PIP police" will come after them.
The 42-year-old from Southampton is an ambulatory wheelchair user who lives with multiple health conditions including Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and autism.
On her worst days, the severe pain in her back, hips and legs means she can barely move or walk.
But she is already branded a benefits scrounger by strangers who tell her to get back to work.
This is despite the fact she still works as a disability advocate and ADHD coach while paying for her own holidays.
She is currently spending around £450 a month on medication and treatments, alongside the extra cost of heating and cooling her home to cope with her symptoms.
Claiming Personal Independence Payment could cover these extra costs, but the fear of a public backlash is stopping her.
She said: “Not claiming benefits has become armour – like a layer of protection against people who will use this ‘status’ to attack me.”
She fears that if she claims what she is entitled to, she will be reported to the authorities just for trying to enjoy her life.
She added: “Went to a festival? Fraud. Got my nails done? Call the DWP. Bought a takeaway? Straight to jail.”
Maddy insists that if she does eventually receive financial support, she will not give up the things that bring her joy.
She said: “Most disabled people would hand back their benefits if they could hand back their disability.”
