Woman brags about making a fortune filling out disability claim applications for £650 each in ‘side hustle’
A YOUTUBER has bragged about making a fortune filling out disability claim applications for £650 each as her “side hustle”.
Charlotte Anderson, 46, who lives with chronic fatigue and severe arthritis, runs the lucrative business hustle from a shed at the bottom of her garden.
Ms Anderson shares videos on YouTube setting out guidance to those who want to or are in the process of filling out a benefits application.
The application is for those with long-term physical or mental health conditions, known as Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
And the hefty price tag of £650 comes with a virtual guarantee: she boasts she has “only ever lost one claim in six years”.
The self-proclaimed “PIP consultant” also says that in half of her successful cases, her clients have “purely mental health conditions”.
Her YouTube videos do advise viewers “before booking me PLEASE watch the guides as I am trying to provide all of the information for FREE!”
Ms Anderson, from Bucknall in Staffordshire, previously worked as a contracts manager at a logistics company.
Now, living with chronic fatigue and arthritis, she is a full-time YouTuber and disability advocate.
She receives the maximum PIP allowance, at £798.63 a month.
PIP is not a means-tested allowance, meaning she receives the payments irrespective of any income, savings or assets she may have.
In January, Ms Anderson had to temporarily withdraw her consultancy services because they had become “too successful”.
On YouTube she offers detailed advice on how to navigate the application process.
She tells viewers suffering in one video: “You have to be able to explain to PIP how you feel, so if you struggle with anxiety you have to explain how it feels for you.”
Ms Anderson also acknowledges that her advice could be wrongly applied by fraudsters trying to claim benefits, as she said: “Yes there are going to be fakers that watch my videos and try to abuse the system – that is PIP’s job to manage that.
“I know the Department for Work and Pensions are monitoring me… I don’t care.”
A DWP spokesman said: “We are committed to a welfare system that is fair and accurately targeted to those who need it most.
“Our disability assessors are qualified health professionals and we conduct regular reviews ensure payments are going to the right people.”
Ms Anderson has been approached for comment.
The YouTuber also directs viewers who are “struggling with PIP claims” to her consultancy booking page.
The page lists a variety of services, from a £60 ‘document check’ to a two-hour £650 meeting, at the end of which she will fill out the form on behalf of the applicant.
How much is PIP and how can I claim?
Households suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through PIP?
The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £172.75 a week, so it’s definitely worth claiming if you can.
PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66.
Bear in mind, the state pension age is currently set to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046.
You also must have lived in England or Wales for at least two out of the last three years, and be in one of these countries when you apply.
Residents in Northern Ireland have to go through a different process, and there are additional rules if you live abroad or you’re not a British citizen.
In Scotland you will need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead.
Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around – or both- for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you’re terminally ill with less than 12 months to live).
Difficulties with daily living can include:
- Preparing or eating food
- Washing, bathing and using the toilet
- Dressing and undressing
- Reading and communicating
- Managing your medicines or treatments
- Making decisions about money
- Engaging with other people