What disability living allowance means to me - in pictures

Mahri Carthy, 49 : “I use it to pay for everyday things that otherwise I wouldn’t be able to afford, like toiletries, deodorant, college fees and transport.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Alison Scott, 45: “I write a blog about my experiences, which is my connection to the outside world. The DLA helps me pay for an internet connection at home.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Anthony Rew, 44: “What the hell am I meant to live on? If they take away my mobility, I won’t be able to do anything. It is horrendous. When I was stuck at home, it made me angry and frustrated. Coming to the day centre has helped me become more independent. Without the DLA I am back to square one. My ambition is to work with other disabled people – act as an advocate. I want to do a course at college. But without transport, I won’t be able to. I will end up sitting in bed all day.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Bob Abbotts, 41: “I use the DLA to get out. Travel is very expensive for me – even just going to the local pub, to football, on days out. This will affect my ability to travel. My father is writing to our MP.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Johnny Carthy, 60: “I use DLA for travel, for clothing, for food, for toiletries and for getting my hair cut.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Kofi Serebour (middle), 38: “I use my DLA to do my shopping.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Lorraine Pletz, 49: “I’m angry about what I’m hearing, because I don’t have much money and I have to use my DLA to buy clothes.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Rubina Jetha, 48: "I’m worried about how I will afford the basics, like clothing. DLA also helps me pay to travel to the mosque, which is a big part of my life.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Sue Collins, 56: “Every year I do a college course – the DLA helps me pay for the fees and travel to the college.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Tony Lashbrook, 59: “I use DLA to buy food – if it’s taken away, that would become a huge issue.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Suhel Mahmood, 27: “My concern is getting around. The DLA pays for me to go to the mosque, the social club and day centres.” Photograph: Simon Rawles

Francis McGrath, 51 : “It costs me a lot of money to get to the centre – I’ll find it hard to come without the DLA.”
Photograph: Simon Rawles