Online 'advisors' telling people how to maximise their gov handouts

Online 'advisors' have been telling benefits claimants how to maximise their government handouts while also reaping in hundreds of thousands of pounds. 
Accounts on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have gone viral, with followers sharing success stories of how they bagged benefits by following these little known secrets. 
Influencers reveal specific buzzwords to use in applications, provide template claims and give guidance on how not to fall for 'trick' questions during interviews. 
Some have even gone as far as to admit they will never get a proper job after mastering the art, with one woman claiming to make almost £500,000 a year by showing social media followers how they too can exploit the benefits system. 
Whitney Ainscough, a self-described bad mum, says she doesn't care about the hate she gets online for flaunting how she manipulated the system for maximum gain.
The defiant 31-year-old tells her combined following of 954,000 people how to exploit the Department of Work and Pensions to max out their payments, claim Motability cars and even get free phones.
Various government schemes can help people with different needs, with some programmes letting you 'self-diagnose' with a mental health condition in order to seek help. 
For example, thousands of people are now using the Access to Work scheme - which can hand claimants nearly £70,000 a year for support and equipment - following an increase in advice from influencers discussing ADHD online.
Meanwhile, others have given guidance on how to 'win' their PIP claims, with guidance videos receiving hundreds of thousands of views. 
YouTuber Charlie Anderson uploaded a clip entitled Unlock The Secret Steps For WINNING Your PIP Claims - Step By Step Guide' which went viral. 
In the video Anderson, who has a chronic illness herself, claims to have a '100% success rate' at 'winning PIP' claims, appeals and reviews.
She said: 'My channel is getting more and more views and every day I'm getting emails from people desperate for help.
'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.'
On her website she also posted templates for claims as well as reviews for chargeable services of up to £950 for a personal session. 
Supporting People UK, which has over 18,000 followers on TikTok, regularly gives advice on what to do when applying for Personal Independent Payment (PIP).
The account shares advice on what to do if your claim is rejected, what keywords to include and also shares example answers to questions.
It also publicises its successes, as one read: '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.'
Liz Jones, the 'PIP angel' also offers a series of PDF guides to applying, The Times reported, including 'example answers for depression'.
One member of the public wrote on her profile saying: 'This is disgusting. [You are] educating folk as to how to rip off the taxpayer. It's down to people like you [that] benefit clampdowns occur for genuine folk who need sickness benefit.'
But Jones told The Times that her aim was to empower people to complete their PIP assessments independently and accurately, to ensure 'their voices are heard'.
In January, it was revealed dozens of users online have posted videos showcasing the benefits of the Access to Work scheme, which was launched to help deaf and blind people but also helps those with ADHD. 
Madeleine Alexander-Grout, who has nearly 70,000 followers on TikTok, told followers she has received thousands from the scheme to assist in running her business, which provides advice and coaching to people with ADHD.
Ms Alexander-Grout, who has previously discussed her medical diagnosis for ADHD, claimed she had claimed £13,000 in one year and £56,000 in another. 
In a post, she 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.'
Meanwhile, TikToker Amanda Perry uploaded a video advising people on what to do if they have ADHD.
'One of the first things you do if you have ADHD, actually whether you have a business or job - it works for both - is google ADHD Access to Work,' she said.
'It will take you to the government page where you can apply for up to £62,000 a year in government support for ADHD, whether you're in a job or you have a business.
'You can apply for it for practical support and also like coaching and mentoring and training to make your job or business life easier.'
The Access to Work scheme was launched in 1994 to help disabled people with working life.
People can apply for a maximum of £69,260 every year to help them, and are not required to be medically diagnosed with a health condition or disability to be eligible.
A DWP spokesperson previously 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.'