DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR – DISABILITY UK
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DISABLED ENTREPRENEUR – DISABILITY UK
Disability UK Online Health Journal – All In One Business In A Box – Forum – Business Directory – Useful Resources – Health – Human Rights – Politics
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The Universal Credit (UC) system, designed to provide financial support for individuals in need, has faced significant criticism for its invasive practices, particularly during home visits. One alarming issue is the potential for personal data, such as bank card details, passport numbers, and other sensitive information, to be shared with agents during these visits. This raises critical questions about data protection, legal compliance, and individual rights.
Assuming that a disabled person is capable of performing certain tasks or stepping outside their comfort zone without considering their individual limitations can lead to significant legal breaches. Such assumptions may violate the Equality Act 2010, particularly the duty to make reasonable adjustments, as forcing someone to undertake activities beyond their capacity disregards their health and well-being.
The UC Commitment Agreement’s “one-size-fits-all” approach fails to consider the unique circumstances of claimants who are carers, students, and entrepreneurs. By disregarding their need for accommodations and imposing excessive demands, UC risks pushing these individuals to the brink, both financially and emotionally.
For self-employed individuals, Universal Credit and other benefits usually consider profit (after expenses) as income. However, classifying profit as income can have a negative impact on a business.
Universal Credit, intended to streamline welfare support, has become a source of severe emotional distress for many, especially those with mental health conditions, disabilities, or those juggling multiple responsibilities like caring, self-employment, and education. The system’s requirements often push claimants into situations that worsen their mental health, with frequent threats of sanctions and unrealistic task demands creating a cycle of anxiety and fear.
Governments sometimes employ coercive measures to ensure that citizens are actively seeking work, increasing their working hours, or attending mandatory appointments—sometimes without considering an individual’s personal circumstances, including disability or self-employment. Such coercion can often infringe on a number of human rights and statutory protections.
Coercion by government agencies, especially when compounded by financial difficulty, can deepen discrimination against individuals with disabilities, forcing them into situations that compromise their rights and well-being.
The recent taxpayer survey reveals strong public backing for expanding WFA eligibility to include disabled individuals receiving Personal Independence Payments, highlighting a collective recognition of their unique financial burdens.
The experiences of disabled people with Universal Credit highlight a concerning lack of accommodation and transparency within a vital support system. From forced in-person appointments to opaque AI interactions, these systemic issues violate principles of fairness and accessibility. Addressing these problems is crucial to creating a truly inclusive welfare system. By adopting practices rooted in transparency and genuine accommodation, Universal Credit can better fulfill its role as a supportive and accessible resource for all disabled individuals.
The wide array of essential expenses that PIP covers for people with disabilities illustrates the importance of maintaining cash payments. A voucher-based system would struggle to address the individualized needs associated with disability-related costs, from specialized medical devices to unique dietary requirements.