The benefits influencers who are telling people how to ‘game’ the system

Whitney Ainscough makes £500,000 a year telling people how to claim more benefits (Picture: Paul Tonge for dailymail.co.uk)

Online influencers have been revealing to their followers the secrets behind claiming more benefits from the government.

The influencers offer tips like how to avoid trick questions in interviews, advice on templates and good words to use in applications.

People who follow the accounts on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, have been commenting on how helpful the advice is.

Some of these influencers have mastered the art of good advice, including Whitney Ainscough, who says she enjoys £500,000 a year from it all.

What’s more, she doesn’t care about the hate she gets online, and describes herself as a bad mum too.

Her advice ranges from how to get free mobility cars, free phones, and the most amount of money possible.

Whitney said she enjoys the good life and agrees she will probably never have to work a proper job in her life (Picture: Paul Tonge for dailymail.co.uk)

Another influencer, Charlie Anderson, who has a chronic illness, uploaded a video on YouTube called Unlock The Secret Steps For WINNING Your PIP Claims – Step By Step Guide’.

She says she has a ‘100% success rate’ at ‘winning PIP’ claims, appeals and reviews.

‘My channel is getting more and more views and every day I’m getting emails from people desperate for help,’ she said.

‘The whole process sucks but what’s clear is there’s no training so today, this is critical, I would not win PIP claims if I didn’t go through this information – it’s the behind-the-scenes PIP scoring points.’

Another page called Supporting People UK, which has 18,000 followers on TikTok, has also been praised by people who follow the account.

One commented: ‘I received my post today and you have won the appeal for me. I did exactly what you said and included exactly what you sent to me. Just WOW, I am so happy I found your page.’

Another influencer, called Liz Jones, is called the ‘PIP angel’ and gives advice about applying.

She told The Times that her aim is to empower people to complete their PIP assessments independently and accurately, to ensure ‘their voices are heard’.

Charlie Anderson gives some good advice about PIP claims (Picture: Charlie Anderson/YouTube)

Others have been offering advice about the Access to Work Scheme – designed to help deaf and blind people but also helps those with ADHD. 

Madeleine Alexander-Grout is an influencer who has received thousands from the scheme and runs a business helping people with ADHD.

She also has ADHD and in a post said: ‘In my first year, I got £13,000 but I realised I needed more support workers because I have got two businesses. Both of them are really busy and there is stuff I just can’t manage to do.

‘And before you all kick off and say “you don’t look disabled”. I have multiple hidden disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.’

A DWP spokesperson said: ‘Access to Work is aimed at helping disabled people overcome barriers within the workplace, and while we cannot comment on specific cases, any support provided is vetted by trained staff to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate.

‘We recognise that the benefits system needs reform which is why we are expecting to publish major proposals to reform health and disability benefits this spring, so those who can work, do work, and those who need support get it in a way that’s fair on the taxpayer.’

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