In the most recent edition of our free, fortnightly newsletter -which you can sign up to at the bottom of the page, if you don’t already get it – we asked to hear from “old timers” who have been with the site for years.
We weren’t expecting to hear from someone who had started reading our guides when they were originally published on a local advice agency site a quarter of a century ago, but we did.
And we heard from others who have been with us for well over a decade.
We are enormously grateful to everyone who has supported the site so loyally over the years – we definitely wouldn’t still be here without you.
We’ve published a selection of the feedback we received below, please feel free to add yours in the comments section.
nothing short of revolutionary
I just wanted to say that I'm still very grateful for the work that Steve Donnison has put in to this venture as i have been using the information he has put online for over 25 years, originally for help with claiming DLA for my son when it was on the Bath and North East Somerset website.
Over the years i have subscribed and dropped out when i didn’t need the guides and have just subscribed back in as going to support a mate with her WCA tomorrow. Keep doing what you're doing, it's nothing short of revolutionary.
Olivia
the wealth of information that is invaluable
You were asking how long people had been members of B & W for. I've been a member since 2008, so that is 17 coming up to 18 years.
The site is invaluable and has helped so much with the ever changing benefits system. Whilst I don't need to sign in to you, as much these days I keep my membership going as it is worth every penny and more, to access all the latest information, form applications templates and all what your website offers.
I use it personally to help others as well as myself. I am so grateful for what you offer and the wealth of information that is invaluable. Thank you.
Willow
keep up with the excellent work
I’ve been with this site for 12 years and I seriously don’t know what I would have done without its invaluable information. Well done, and keep up with the excellent work
Sue
it’s a life saver
I am coming in to my 9th year this month (November) and I subscribe every year even though I have pip for an ongoing period. I am able to help family member who needs to fill in the forms and those ones have had a successful claim. So I am more than happy to pay for the subscription as it’s a life saver. Long may you continue.
Alice
a wonderful guide
I have used your site and a local disability charity to advocate for my case. Before I meet with representatives from the charity or the DWP for face-to-face discussions, I always review my rights and prepare my arguments. B & W has been a wonderful guide during this time, and I will always highly recommend them. So yes, I think it’s safe to call me an old-timer!
Lucas
thank you, "Benefits and Work", for your unfailing assistance
I thank you once again for your very informative Benefits and Work Newsletter. I see that you are keen to hear from some "old-timer" long-standing members. Well, I reckon I have been sixteen years a member, as I still have the email from Steve Donnison of 15th September, 2009, at 2.55pm precisely, in which he gave me detailed personal advice following my query about medicals for the Personal Capability Assessment for Incapacity Benefit. Needless to say, his advice proved invaluable in my achieving a successful claim.
In the years that followed, and given the multitude of changes to the Benefits System, your continuously updated guides have continued to ensure the best possible outcomes when various reviews or fresh benefit applications are required. Though I am now beyond State Retirement age, I see that I am possibly not the longest member, as your website has existed for twenty-three years! By rights you folks should receive Knighthoods "for services to the infirm and disabled", but of course in that time no government will have been delighted by your existence!. . . So, thank you, "Benefits and Work", for your unfailing assistance over these many years in improving the financial circumstances of those who, for many reasons, are unable to do so themselves.
Rory
The advice is sound and clear
How this site helps me. I am able to find out fact from fiction. The media coverage and govt announcements are terrifying for a disabled person like me.
The advice is sound and clear.
The abuse from politicians is disgraceful, disrespectful and disgusting.
I am still human but politicians do not acknowledge this yet ask for my vote?
Charlotte
your advice is so good
Hello I first applied for DLA in 1990 /91. I always kept a copy of full applications and when doing 1 of these, I found I had paperwork from you - in the days it was free advice! So a very long-term member! I got HRM at first, and that was right, then further down the line LRC, in due course MRC, all DLA. Now at 77, I dread something will get in the way, and I'll lose my Motability car, with scooter hoist, but only continued to qualify by 4 months, when the change was for claimants born after April 1948. I have continued my membership because your advice is so good and applicable and I've been able to help others with their applications. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Emma
couldn’t have done it without you
I’ve been a member for over 5 years and you’ve helped me immensely to succeed in my pip claim being awarded the high rates for both categories. I just couldn’t have done it without you. I also was able to attain for my disabled daughter after going to tribunal. This was only possible with all your resources and advice we are truly grateful .
Ellie
I took out my first subscription in 2012!
I first became aware of your site in 2010. I trawled back through emails under an old address and found 'ten tips re DLA. I took out my first subscription in 2012!
Alex
I'm so grateful to you for your advice
I don't know what I'd have done all these years without Benefits and Work, which I joined in 2006, with their invaluable guides and highly informative, unbiased news. I've been on PIP since 2017 and went from DLA Lower Mobility and Middle Care to PIP Enhanced Mobility and Standard Daily Living which gave me some extra income. In 2020 I went on to be awarded Enhanced on both components, reflecting my deteriorating health condition. In 2024, I was not only awarded both enhanced components again but on a paper assessment and for 10 years until 2034! That takes me two years into my state pension age. I expect that I may have had some success with PIP and formally with DLA but I'm sure I wouldn't have the correct components that actually reflect my health condition without Benefits and Work. I'm so grateful to you for your advice. Thank you
Bella
