Nicole receives Employment and Support Allowance of £1,042, Personal Independent Payments of £798, and Housing Benefit of £917 per month.
Though they feel in a “fortunate position” currently, Nicole says: “I feel I am at the mercy of the DWP.”
Nicole is “completely freaking out” about possible cuts to benefits in the Budget and what that could mean for them.
“I am fearful about the negative rhetoric in the media about disabled people in receipt of benefits.”
They say their energy bill has gone up significantly in the last few years and they are worried their rent will also increase.
“I am not able to use my PIP for what it’s meant to be used for. Half of the payment goes towards my rent.”
Nicole wants the Budget to clarify what support is planned for disabled people, and is hoping for a cap on energy bills this winter.