As it is, I exist - precariously - on benefits, plus a tiny "permitted income" for writing these pieces. It doesn't allow for luxuries, or even holidays, and replacing things like washing machines can be tricky. The recent price hike in food, fuel and utilities means money gets even tighter. As I've mentioned before, the level of benefits doesn't respond to quick inflation hikes.
What stops me getting a "proper" job? Mainly it's a lack of stamina: as a tetraplegic, my energy levels are generally low - and variable - so I couldn't guarantee that I would be able to work the minimum 16 hours a week that would entitle me to tax credits.
I've calculated that I could only escape the benefit system by earning £20,000 a year in a job. I can hear the offers dropping on to my doormat now...even so, I'd still like to work for my living.
The proposals from the Department for Work and Pensions on the reform of benefits and conditions (putting more pressure on people
to stop claiming benefits and find work) catches us, the more
physically and mentally severely disabled, in the same net of suspicion and begrudging welfare that has been about since the Poor Laws. Adopting the US idea of workfare only reinforces this alienating attitude.
There is also talk about adopting ideas from the new American idea, behavioural economics. If this is the case, I'm just hoping that people understand what behaviourism was all about: reward works better than punishment.
In that spirit, how about this for a solution: let disabled people keep their current benefits and earn as much money as they can. Tax the combined earnings, then, after some time - two years perhaps - if the individual's earnings are above a certain threshold, stop paying benefits and recoup excess benefit payments through the tax system.
The country would benefit - some undeclared earnings would become taxable. Many disabled people might find the first steps out of the poverty trap and become net economic contributors. Success, after all, is built on success. We might get away from the idea that all benefits claimants are scroungers, and even Daily Mail readers might see the benefits of encouraging more people back to work.
Simon Heng is a wheelchair user and is involved in service user-led groups
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