Human cost of welfare reform: 'I'm being punished because of my health'

Human cost of welfare reform: 'I'm being punished because of my health'
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Ministers have insisted welfare reform will protect the most vulnerable. But the Guardian has seen a memo from senior jobcentre management that acknowledges changes to the benefits system could have 'profound results' for vulnerable claimants. The Guardian spoke to both Julie Carwardine and Richard Sykes about the financial and mental impact of losing their benefits

[@lorrainedeacons503]

I believe I'm being punished for being sick . I have had my pip cut and my esa . I have ME / CFS and fibro . It's a never ending battle ! Soul destroying . I don't have the strength to fight anymore .

[@writers-sanctuary9015]

Some of the comments here are so condescending and narrow minded, There is so much bias, judgement and persecution, that those who are on benefit (through no fault of their own) either are forced to survive of practically nothing, or worse, their money is stopped. Its not that they are `not` looking for work, but the job market, can and does penalise based on the most ridiculous things. Many loose their jobs, not because they have done something wrong, but because employers are also faced with so many pressures, its a dog eat dog. So when I see harsh one sided comments, like below, this is what I say. Be on the other side of the table, and be faced with the conditions and circumstances that come from harsh judgement and reality, You have no Idea what it is like, I have worked and I have been unemployed, I have personally endured the cold heartless treatment from the Job centre who are all programmed, and shut down as soon as there is genuine concern expressed. For those complaining and twisting about those on benefit, your in a hamster wheel too, and your puppets to the governments games. Your certainly not `Free`

[@ianstrange5674]

Hear, hear!

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

+Writers-Sanctuary Also .. Few years ago, offer someone a 'Zero Hours Contract' they'd have LAUGHED at you - now people are being FORCED to accept them.. :( Grrr...

[@TheMasterblaster32]

Writers-Sanctuary couldn't of put it any better myself.

[@ShitJitsu]

at any given time it is fact that there is not enough jobs to meet demand and the DWP knows this.

[@richardmadden8742]

ShitJitsu It's going to get worse too - job automation is coming and will effect far more people.

[@paulcrocker4157]

The System is always worked and designed against us !!!

[@BulletmanDoom]

I've had nothing off them for over 2 years since they told me I was fit to work despite being in constant pain form a back injury, arthritis and long term depression. We're having to live off my wife's low earnings. She's almost crippled with arthritic knees and it's only a matter of time before she has to stop doing the job she's doing. It's scandalous what they're doing and they decided my case with a 1/2 hour interview and totally ignored all the doctor's reports. I don't understand how they are able to get away with just refusing to give sick people no choice but to apply for jobs they're not fit to do or loose their benefits. This "Fit to do some work" is so vague it could be applied to a monkey and that's the clever bit. Yes I may be fit to do some work but tomorrow I might be crippled like I have been the last 10 days. No employer is going to take on someone in my condition so what the hell is the point of trying to get me on Jobseekers? The first question is are you actively seeking work and the answer would have to be no because I'm not fit. Even if I got an interview for a job the employer would ask if I was fit to do it and I would have to tell them honestly No! I have a back disorder that leaves me in constant pain which is only bearable because of the cocktail of medication I'm on and a lot of the time I'm unable to function because of it. Who's going to take me on?

[@BulletmanDoom]

***** Perversely we're actually better off without it because my Mrs is on low earnings which is why I decided against appealing.

[@Laura-pi6ht]

+Big Ian Builds This is an old post, but I'm in the USA with the same situation having failed back surgery with the metal plate in my back. I am lucky I can work 3 hours , just enough for food. Wonder what is going to happen when the muslim refugees come?

[@TinaLouise73]

@@Laura-pi6ht not to mention the Ukrainians! We are over filled wi em here in the UK!

[@lymarie1974]

i am so sorry. i also have fibro but i still work i don't have a choice. i have other medical problems. it is very hard. i've been on the otherside where i had to stay home because of the pain, no meds to take, my husband bless him was working two jobs. when he lost his job. i prayed and took the pain with the punches and found work. we both work and its hard. i've been told you look well, fibro and other illnesses are inside not outside.

[@pauljohnleadbeater5533]

What she should do is go to CAB or the samaritains if she was in a bad state.

[@dibble2005]

Government have made successful scapegoats of the poor. It is so successful even society agrees and blames the poor for being poor. They fail to see the real reason which is the systematic structural failures in systems of bureaucracy that see human beings as numbers not people.

[@JohnConnor310355]

I am a 61 year old man, and was told i was fit for work two weeks after having a triple heart bypass.

[@richardmadden8742]

JohnConnor310355 Appeal. Phone the CAB and they'll help you with it. Good luck.

[@chanelgez2146]

JohnConnor310355 that's discusting

[@fionagregory9147]

@@chanelgez2146 disgusting

[@rantnpod]

I suffer from Mental Health problems I have my appeal hearing next week as I got zero points back in June 2015. I physically feel sick, hardly slept since I got my appointment letter a few days ago I just feel like taking a whack of tablets and getting the hell of this miserable unbearable planet. The one's who design these systems have to been from the bowels of hell, evil wicked people. What gets me this is supposedly about tightening the purse strings etc, how come when ever there is some major disaster in the world the Gov all of a sudden has millions of relief at their disposal to give out. I understand now why the peoples in the past had Revolutions.....

[@alisonburton6019]

+rantnpod If you have mental health problems & the system works as it SHOULD then hopefully you will be put in the right group...... I have mental & neurological health problems, & know being at home, doing nothing doesn't help, nor does pressure to work & not having enough money to survive. You can feel you are only capable of Work Related Activity & need to win your appeal then you can use Regulation 29 i.e work would be harmful to your physical or mental health. Try & believe that you will be helped & try to keep positive, I know hard sometimes....

[@rogerstorrs8679]

+rantnpod Your right, but please dont blaim Foreign Aid, when its our govt and BANKERS that have had most of our money, and the Tories snouts are buried RIGHT in the trough to this day.. 3x more borrowing as under blair, and running every service as inefficiently as possible (eg keeping people half-starved and desperate means plenty more crime, plenty more Hospital admissions for avoidable diseasees like Rickets, Gout (from lousy diet) and that old favorite Malnutrition..)

[@iamthefuture5895]

sorry to hear about that,but fight back and learn about the bills of exchange 1882 and learn about the bank giro credit slip,go to Steve spy u tube,or go on getoutoffdebtfree. let,get rid of the fear for fear is only over thinking and always be positive.

[@britnic5394]

what mental health problem do you have?

[@ludwigvanbeethoven5005]

This idea of making the jobless, the sick & disabled work for N.P.A (or nothing per hour), in the form of Workfare is an utter disgrace. I have recently discovered that sick & disabled people unlucky enough to be unemployed for 3 years or longer are to be press-ganged into Workfare - that is, they will be working 35 hours a week, every week, for absolutely zilch. Talk about turning your own people into 2nd Class citizens or what!! The Tories obviously must consider the sick & disabled to be nothing more than criminals, who, because of their failure to get around all the (Employer) prejudice and discrimination in the jobs market, deserve to be punished for their failure. I wonder what effect Workfare is going to have on people already afflicted with mental health issues? Or how about people suffering from physical problems, such as coping with daily mobility? An increase in suicides and premature deaths I suspect. The bottom line is, Tories must consider the only value sick & disabled people have in UK Society is as slave labour. Why haven't the political opposition (meaning Labour) lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights? Aren't there international laws pertaining to slavery and basic human rights abuses, such as the right of ALL citizens to be treated with decency and respect? The Labour Party may not feel as though they can do anything about it as usual (or even be that bothered), but I know what Oliver Cromwell would have done.

[@ludwigvanbeethoven5005]

***** Thanks Bill..I actually have at least one fan anyway. I'm flattered.

[@TheJackasskids11]

It's good that the long term idle are being made to join the party and make a contribution.

[@TheJackasskids11]

Beautiful dog though

[@TheJackasskids11]

I see nothing wrong with the unemployed [not the sick and disabled] working for their dole [not for nothing] Why should I pay for people to be unemployed for over three years? I do not see that it is a human right to be long term idle and take benefits i definitely. Many who are 'sick' are drug addicts and alcoholics. They are costing us one billion a year [Daily Mail figures] They should be made to go on recovery programs or lose their benefit

[@ludwigvanbeethoven5005]

suilven mountain You overlook the fact that the unemployed (the sick & disabled) are already being sufficiently persecuted and punished by your Tory Government, without making their lives even more unbearable by forcing them into Workfare slavery. Many unemployed people pay the Bedroom Tax + a percentage of Council Tax, which means (for one spare bedroom anyway), they lose around £18 a week from their meagre benefits. The unemployed can also be sanctioned by the Jobcentre often for the most trivial of reasons, such as arriving a couple of minutes late for an interview or failing to provide proof they have applied for enough jobs, which is extremely difficult to say the least if you happen to live in a depressed region of the UK. Can you just imagine trying to live on NOTHING for 3 months just because the bus taking you to the Jobcentre turned up a few minutes late? On top of that Jobseekers Allowance is considered to be taxable income. If you Tories didn't rely on the likes of the Daily Mail for your "facts" you would know this already. Or could it be that Tories just never get fed up of finding new ways to punish the poor, for nothing more than the heinous crime of being alive? Those of us who are enlightened find it hard to believe we even share the same Nationality as Tories.

[@SapaHollidaySaparonia]

How can they fight? Since this video we have seen the elderly euthanised under "care" program in hospitals. It's something that working and healthy people are unaware of until it affects them. There's no shortage of food and space, our country can afford to care for the unfortunates, with a happy population the country benefits, our art and culture would be enriched and minds now going to waste would be utilised. Shame on the ones responsible

[@emilym.2730]

I hope they are all doing better now, than they were in this video. All love and prayers to those who are feeling helpless

[@luzfigueroa1550]

It's totally sick,cold uncaring it has to stop the injustice of the Evil government.

[@janepreston1903]

its a disgrace and still going on in 2020 yet illegal boat people are treated like royalty

[@Heismyreason7]

The trouble is that many people could work part-time in someway on a long-term basis but not manage full-time. However, the system can be punitive and pressure you into full-time work when you are not able, which is detrimental to health, because it can be so black and white. Its tick box system tends to say either you can't work at all, or you can work and then are expected to take on more and more with the threat of having support removed. The rules about part-time work need to be more flexible and appropriate for people's health needs. In addition, the required minimum amount of just over £70 per week is too low. A single person may spend £35 a week on food if they eat enough veg & fruit a day, especially if they're not able to get to an Aldi or Lidl. This only leaves about another £35 a week for clothing, heating, water, phone, furnishings, repairs, tv licence and some kind of internet connection (whether through the library or low cost provider) and some kind of funding for social interaction. It's no wonder that people turn to food banks and have become overwhelmed with stress.

[@rogerstorrs8679]

+white lily15 yes - I think you understate the case, but definitely - various jobcentre staff have been ordered to be as obstructive and nasty to the claimant as possible, to provoke some kind of Outburst from them, and also the obscentiy of setting Targets for 'sanctioining' a set number of claimants, regardless of circumstance ... The 'adversarial' role of Jobcentre staff stated under Blair (eg the 'Helpful' ones would NEVER get promotion, and don't seem to stay in the job long)

[@didiervandijk8714]

This world is in hands of psychopaths,think about it

[@Angus1966]

Mate i worked for 22 years 7 days a week on a 24 hour rotaing roster in a high pressuer position , i am now unemployed through no fault of my own , i am 50 yrs old and have some barriers to employment { i want a job } , i am treated like shit by unemployment.

[@nataliewood673]

Taking it off the people who need it most. This government either dont no or dont care what is happening in britain today to working and unemployed people who are already struggling to keep there heads above water. David cameron and his crew spend more on a bottle of wine to go with his dinner than most people get to live on. He and ian duncan smith have a lot to answer for and we still have another 2 years of them . I dread to think what else they are planning.

[@juliehornsby9671]

Compassion has been replaced by punishments and penalties , thanks for nothing David Cameron , , Boris and all the rest of you who created this !

[@eddiekulp1241]

No one ever handed me money because I needed it or wanted it. I receive Social Security disability now in the U.S. its not FREE money, I worked and paid taxes allmost 40 years to qualify

[@liammcgrath4894]

I was on benefits for 2 years, and the job centre staff could not have given a flying f**k. I got a sanction for missing an appointment because I was homeless and they knew this and didn’t care

[@sandydogy]

we have to keep fighting for future generations or it will get worse

[@minstrelofMir]

when they scored me 0 points,i couldant believe it,in 1992 i had a real dhss medical and was told no more sick notes ever. So i refused all treatment,after all if im not sick why should i play the game, it wasant very nice living a year and only going to the loo once a month dew to not taking my so called life threating tables,and i got some gray hair (no 150mg thyroxine a day ) i was hoping id die in protest,,,but happly claiming again i got 23+ points, how can someone get none and then over 23,it shows the test is wrong,,,but thats my answer REFUSE ALL TREATMENT ,,EITHER SUDDENLY GET POINTS OR DIE TRYING

[@Lairyritelushandishy]

The day of the new money-less paradigm is coming.

[@gulzarbibi7962]

I had a pip tribunal i got through, but what I had to go through.

[@sallanne123rt]

www.basicincome.org/ Finland has recently voted for a party who has a central idea of a basic income. Money is currently created by banks from more or less thin air on a fractional basis, as loans, however the ever increasing debt mountain is really not a feasible future because it depends on there being a huge waged workforce paying it off, and that is something that is very much not going to happen. Automation and robotics do any job cheaper and with more accuracy than any human could muster. Doctors, teachers, factory and office workers are facing extinct jobs that are not set to be replaced. Surely at some point we need to just create money as basic income, when will this happen? We cannot support the poor out of a diminishing tax base, nor can we load up debt towards the future. Considering that there is virtually no difference between debt created out of nothing and real money created out of nothing. In the face of it I see no alternative. Do this or face total collapse of the economy. There will be no winners, even substantial business empires will collapse if they cannot muster sales, the government will not borrow, nor create the money needed and there will be no tax base income. The old system is being forced to modernize but will not do so unless YOU dear citizen take a hand and join us.

[@ludwigvanbeethoven5005]

Good point Terry, comparing the current Governemnt with Hitler. What concerns me though is how Hitler was stopped the first time round.

[@TheMspinklips]

I agree with you... Really we might as well call cameron Hitler, No come to think of it that would be an insult to Hitler..

[@operacat1]

'We will make sure that those who are able to work are available for work'. And is he going to make sure that work is available for people to do????

[@didaloca]

These people should try moving to a poorer country and see if claiming benefits will work there! I agree that these people need help, but I hate it when people complain about having a roof over their heads provided and food. There are people in other countries who don't have the luxury of having benefits, who have to survive without the government's help.

[@rogerstorrs8679]

Daniel Astbury Well thats exactly what the Tories are trying to create here, even wanting to remove the sometiems-safegaurd of Human Rights Law - lots of people in THIS Country now no longer have the 'luxury' of food OR a roof - made MORE obscene by the massive turnover of 'Great Britain PLC'

[@didaloca]

Roger Storrs​ Even the tories would tell you that food and a roof are NOT luxuries.

[@rogerstorrs8679]

Yet they're taking them away from everyone - and the 70 reported suicides (as quoted in the papers) sound like the tip of the iceberg. They lie that Workfare is 'voluntary' (it ISNT and it fills a position that someone should be receiveing a Wage for, totally destabilising the Employment Market for the benefit of the Tories millionaire freinds) - dont they realise how ... UNeconomical it is to ruin someone for life with destitution and homelessness? (As only a minority will delete themself from the economy by Suicide)

[@didaloca]

Roger Storrs I'm sorry but not getting into political debate with you.

[@rogerstorrs8679]

+Daniel Astbury Thereby conceeding your position to be untenable .. (and Inhumane, I'd say) - but thank you for playing, Contestant, no 2 - Zero points but you DO get the Countdown Dictionary PS - The statistics unearthed so far suggest the amount of suicedes caused by 'Welfare Reform' has reached 10,000 - if you ever wondered 'what would *I* do if I were alive in Germany of the 1930's' now is your chance to find out' - as my ex used to say, "If youcant ever change your mind - are you sure you still have one ?"

[@andresviveros3994]

Only by voting Green or SNP will the bedroom tax and welfare be reinstated for the poor, your choice come May 2015

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

+andres viveros Great if you live in Scotland .. Oh and the Greens i dont think will be running enough candidates to form a Govt, even if we all voted for them (or am i wrong ?)

[@theboss-vr1jj]

they stressing me being corrupt that im getting a lot more sicker im agrophobic and have physical illnesses and they making wish i wasn't here anymore

[@theboss-vr1jj]

thanks hon x

[@tuutts39]

Then get yourself some medication, and get on with it. Once you get used to working for a living, you'll actually start to enjoy it and feel accomplished and like a fully functioning, productive citizen. Mark my words.

[@theboss-vr1jj]

lmao maybe i can try some of your meds ?

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

+tuutts39 =ARBEIT MACHT FREI...I *DO* mark your words - as ridiculous ! (I'm sure she's GETTING any necessary medications) ... Recent research indicates that not all work serves to “keep people healthy” nor does it ever “promote recovery.” ... in the case of people with severe illness and disability - which is why people claim ESA... We have yet to hear of a single case involving a job miracle entailing people’s limbs growing back, vision being restored, or a wonder cure for heart failure If however, you want to help our ABLE BODIED citizens become functioning & productive citizens, you could always start HERE -- twitter.com/AJohnColes/status/666775885547233280/photo/1

[@AceStar1994]

​@@tuutts39 🙄

[@bigboredthing]

I was denied ESA despite scoring more than the required points on my form. I have learning difficulties, a spine deformity, severe epilepsy, a benign brain tumour and I am a stroke victim (which has left me with limited mobility in my left side and memory problems). I was denied because my partner works. He was thrown onto JSA from his Income Support in 2011 with NO assessment. He had previously been signed off for life due to his intractable epilepsy, autism and learning disabilities. Neither of us could live independently, and we struggled for a long time. This regime is sick. Truly disgusting. If you have a disability that means working causes you daily pain and anguish, or if you are disabled to the point where you are ineffective in your role, then you should be entitled to state help. End of. I hear stories of amputees being denied benefits because their condition is 'likely to improve', people in comas being denied, people dying in their WCAs, it makes my blood boil.

[@mathsfornineyearolds]

I know someone in a similar condition to you. She was on the floor crying saying she's had enough.

[@mikewillis44]

You can have the welfare state or fall back on the brilliant way society functions in America.

[@SapaHollidaySaparonia]

They're shooting themselves in the foot. Gifted minds come from all walks of life.

[@scootjockey]

Basically work untill you drop , i live in Germany now , and here it is just the same if not worse. Working till you are 67.

[@WeTheStrange]

You'd better pray that you never become sick then.

[@drmilanaperez8791]

Suicidal rates up by 120%

[@RISKOFINFECTION]

Join the protest, Trafalger Square, March 30th 1.30pm

[@aleshaalan8299]

And yeah do you know if I beg in the street no one will help me and pay my rent,food gaz electric and clothes as UK fucken cold!

[@sandydogy]

post a video of it and your face if you are so brave

[@davemicklewright8856]

Morgellons Leicester Uk.

[@demarcos69]

It's just weird, but I have noticed a lot of people are claiming depression and this New fibromyalgia crap is this a new trend just to get on Benefits?

[@celestereid588]

My mother has fibromyalgia and works full time whilst caring for 5 dogs and renovating a house.

[@starlaeuropa]

Only because the tabloids are printing multiple stories about it, and twisting the truth along the way! Since when did the press ever let the truth get in the way of a good story (especially if they have their own fucked-up agenda)? Depression on it's own is not (and never was) enough to qualify for benefits - anyone who tells you different usually has no idea what they're talking about, and the same can be said for fibromyalgia (fibro patients often have other things going on at the same time). I get so pissed off when I hear these ignorant comments, such as "fibro is a made-up thing to get benefits", "fibro is just an excuse for laziness", or "we never had it in my day" - no, because in "your day", people were just forced to keep going until their bodies finally gave out! Fibromyalgia symptoms have been documented in medical literature from the 19th century to the present day, and the term fibromyalgia had been in use since 1976 (2 years before I was even born) - so I'd be interested to see how it could have been used to claim benefits in the 19th century when the welfare state as we now know it, didn't exist until around 1948! See how a little research can be used to combat ignorance? You should try it sometime!

[@tuutts39]

Don't forget about AGORAPHOBIA! It's part of the "DISABILITY TRIFECTA"! I find it astonishing that millions of Britons claim multitudes of ailments that can not be proven or disproven, and they have been granted lifelong benefits! A nation whose citizens are even capable nor willing to provide for themselves....... is a nation that will not be around for another thousand years. A man doesn't work because he needs to help his wife get dressed? Then she should stay home in her pj's or front zip ensembles. What will these people do WHEN your welfare system grinds to an inevitable halt do to its current and future Muslim citizen? Who almost NEVER WORK?

[@madeleine8977]

There should be a special category for people who are rearing their grandchildren. Is there one? Sorry, do not know the Brit benefit system, as I am American. And yes, we do have our own benefits problems.

[@richardmadden8742]

Madeleine No separate category for grandparents. They would be paid the Child Benefit though.

[@madeleine8977]

Thanks for answering.

[@alibee501]

They spend £300,000 per annum per person in Broadmoor.... So why can't reduce that to say £15k & the rest go for caring for the vunerable people & sick people & disabled people in our society & also create jobs! Total bill of Broadmoor is £72 million The cost per person per annum in a normal prison is £50k This can't be right! Money should be going to improve our society, stop people using drugs/alcohol, becoming more productive insted of importing everything! Being more physically active & Eating more healthily, so we are more productive & less of a drain on the NHS, G.P's etc.

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

+alibee501 er Broadmoor is a HIGH SECURITY Installation - if you ran it on the budget of a kindegarten or council block, you'd have (a lot MORE) rapists and mentally damaged knife murderes cruising the streets .. Fact is Prisons & Psych units COST, so surely far better to make sure people DONT get stretched to breaking point (eg Break down, or have to senter the lucrative Criminal Gang/Dugs/Sex idustries)

[@alisonburton6019]

+AtomicBoogaloo It SHOULDN'T cost £300,000 per patient I'm sorry but Mental Health beds in hospital cost around £40k per person..... The money SHOULD be redirected to ensure people don't become Phychopaths, drug addicts, rapist, gang culture, murderers etc. Maybe we need to consider the human costs of money being wasted.... Do the Broadmoor inmates get rehabilitated? Do they contribute to society? Are they vunerable & in need of funding? OTHER people need rehabilitation, help with day to day living, help with lower level mental health to prevent suffering & suicides etc. LOCAL JOBS, HEALTH PREVENTION, COMMUNITY COHESION, SENSE OF PRIDE

[@alisonburton6019]

+AtomicBoogaloo Oh the £ 72 million for broadmoor is for 204 people!

[@rogerstorrs8679]

+Alison Burton this year the total cost of Parliment was £500 Million for 624 alleged 'people' - of which MP's expenses consume 100 M, Salaries & Pensions 150 M Booze and food 200M and unlike Broadmoor this does NOT include a Security Budget to keep these dangerous lunatics out of civilised society, and prevent them commiting serial murders (Welfare Reform, ATOS and the Bombing of Syria) - also NO concerted attempt at Rehabiliation (e.g. mandatory classes on European Human Rights Law, and shifts working in Food Banks (They could wear 'community payback' uniforms) - I feel a good start could be made here - (Instead of 39.oo state-paid breakfasts for Iain Duncan Smith ? teach him to cook and let him work in a Homeless Centre for 39.00 a WEEK)

[@nizzyhuzzle123]

spoken like a true brother, this bullshit is going on for too long

[@blobbyblob2573]

The ability to communicate without being abusive has eluded you - no doubt we have your parents input to thank for that! Perhaps you should watch the video. He is is wife's carer - they would get carers allowance, they look after their grandchild - maintenance should be obtained from the parents of the child (not up to the tax payer to keep providing the money does run out eventually). They would also have housing benefit, child tax credits, child allowance, rate reductions.

[@margaretbanks8969]

Carers allowance is one of the lowest enemies a d the amount of money he us avi g the taxpayer look up the cost of a. Care in your are per week .ultimately by 52 then take off all the benefits theyew getting I will wager that you will find it would cost taxpayers much much more thN he is getting un benefits. Incidentally you only get carers allowance if you Ee caring for someone getting pip or attendandance allowance.

[@patriciafrancis9134]

reading the other comments it's obvious the people below have themselves experienced multiple disc pain with spasms and stenosis and fibromyalgia on top...their songs would change real quick sure there are exceptions to the rule but they may not have it as aggressive nor do people expertence pain the same.......those are the type who should have something like open heart surgery and get 2 tylenol for pain and see how hell that works than they may have some idea of what others feel daily

[@tuutts39]

My Canadian husband has all of those same ailments, and has had 3 surgeries, but no longer takes pain meds because they no longer work for him. Yet he still gets his but up and out to work EVERYDAY. He hurts like hell, but that's what a GROWN UP DOES TO SUPPORT HIS FAMILY! All of your overblown sob stories disgusts me. Naturally some are legit, but most are just lazy, greedy, feckless, self-important parasites who are trying to continue getting over on the backs of taxpayers.

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

You know Tuutts, I notice you claim to have or experienced MOST of the afflictions other people have had on here - it stretches credulity a little... Also given the UK's predilection for throwing bombs around where they wont do much good (Syria etc) I'd FAR rather they spent the money on real people, even IF a percentage was wasted Instead of which we not only kill thousands withour bombs, but also thousands of UK citizens for the crime of being ill or poor - do you REALLY approve of this ? If so, why ?

[@bigboredthing]

I had a stroke. A fucking STROKE, at the age of 19. I have an extreme case of epilepsy (even my neurologist said 'holy shit' when he saw my EEG, I was seizing upwards of 75 times a day before meds, I'm now down to about 10 a day), as well as a screwed up back, a brain tumour and numerous other problems. I work, and I thank whatever's out there every single day that I do. My work is fucking agonising, constant pain and the worry of having a major seizure never goes away. But I love it, even though I shouldn't be doing it. I'm happier working, but I'd be a lot healthier and a lot safer on benefits. Safe to say most of these claims are legit. I would never call someone on ESA 'greedy' since the payments are something like £85 a week (varies). The real greedy, feckless, self-important parasites are the ones living a lavish life off our tax money in bloody Parliament and big business!

[@losteroni]

" Let them eat cake ! "

[@tonymcfeisty2478]

The problem is for taxaxtion purposes we are all individuals, yet for benefit purposes we are treated as one entity, It's unfair but it benefits the governments banking benefit scheme (and by banks read the international private bankers in control of the worlds private national banks, that's the US fed, Bank of England etc). All out taxes go to paying back money created from thin air by these organisations.

[@Ray-xh6gb]

Do as you are told

[@humptybum]

in general,the art of goverment consists of taking as much money as possible from one class of citizens,to give to another.................voltaire......

[@stephanblack4558]

The Queen is the Biggest Welfare bun in England.

[@joaoalbuquerque457]

Disgraceful. Cruel. Disgusting. Criminal. Inhumane. Really 😥 to watch... Really difficult to keep our heads above the poverty line or limit.

[@margaretbanks8969]

I a. Almost pension age u ha e carers i want people who want to do the job because .they care the lSt thinv i need is someone whos bn told by the job centre they have to do it?. If they are forced to di it hiw caring will they be?

[@nataliewood673]

that is because liverpool has lovely people and this cominh fron somone who comes from hull xxx

[@karenblackwood5883]

And YET its still happening ,I have 2&over handfuls of things including her kneck thing I worked until last year,

[@AhmedAli-mr7tm]

we need ti stand together and condemn the injustice thats happening to oue friends and relatives. my mum and dad have been effected by the benefit cap and they cant work bcoz they are disabled and atos said thy are fit for work!!!.. I really want to say ti the government stop taking tax, council tax, VAT for everything I buy and Road tax,. if they can give me full money with any direct or indirect taxes I will support my family and never depend on this crap government

[@havoc000A]

Sadly, Labour are no better. They introduced Workfare and ATOS.

[@Andybaby]

Nice big house they're choosing to live in - why not take in a tenant?

[@Andybaby]

***** Would you feel sorry for someone having trouble w their Porsche payments?

[@Andybaby]

***** On this point I agree, especially because the $30,000 was obtained via Taxation/inflation theft.

[@johngarvey5370]

***** take your head out your arse you brain-dead knuckle dragging bastard and stop deriving facts from channel 5 documentaries lol

[@johngarvey5370]

***** your previous comments regarding immigrants screams a channel 5 viewers mentality to me !!!

[@johngarvey5370]

***** Settle down there kiddo i'm not your virtual quack.

[@strangefacekid]

How depressing...

[@barnbersonol]

None of the people featured in these progs ever tell us, in terms of actual numbers, how much they actually get when all their benefits are added up. That's after any travelling costs or direct tax. Anyone else noticed that? Like that bloke who looks after his wife and grandson for example..Plus, how much do the boy's parents chip in? I can't sympathise with someone who is that cagey about their income. For all I know, it's more than a lot of working people can ever dream of earning.

[@Astarkat]

Things to do in Cambridge, Things to do in Oxford. lets head for the epicentres

[@johnmodel500]

and now u ask for a five per cent pay rise...dont u get it..everyone hates dwp staff with sound reason..

[@susanelliott2287]

It is sad to think that genuine disabled people are being but by this welfare reform but the trouble is there are so many false claims made by people too lazy to work and the genuine are suffering for this.

[@MegaPianogenius]

milk? that is a luxury, a voucher for vitamin tablets then water is sufficient

[@catherinewalsh3954]

She must be fit for work. If they think she had a medical. Yo do so .

[@boykotgooglification]

It is so ironic. People sell houses in uk costing in the range of millions. I wonder where do they get this wealth. We do not have companies/places to work here. How much tax do they pay. Do they create any jobs? Or pocket money from public places. The poor is left without voice. There is literally no voice for the poor. It is a taboo to talk about them. Posh schools, posh cars. Honestly is there a place for ordinary hard working people u.k.

[@dstorm7752]

The Guardian tilts toward the Left, so it is not reliable on this issue.

[@saraverdi6261]

they sanctioned and disabled no partner all benefits stopped

[@rodx39]

get the tories out ffs vote labour may 7th

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

+TrueBlogge777 Balls by name... :( or have things changed now ? :)

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

Oh he'sgone - oh well J C 4 P M !!!

[@alisonburton6019]

She isn't the best representation of people who are affected by the Welfare Reforms..

[@AtomicBoogaloo]

+Alison Burton Indeed not; there are far more harrowing tales - David Clapson, diabetic ex-forces died without electricity (to keep his Insulin cold in the fridge); the DWP has been extremely reluctant to issue figures of Deaths, but its somewhere between 60( and 500 suicides, welfaretales.wordpress.com/2015/04/02/list-of-welfare-related-deaths-of-the-uks-sick-and-disabled/ and some estimates say 10,000 deaths - so WHEN will we have a system thats stringent enough, pray tell ?

[@anastasiatempest761]

The support is not there In reality.🧑🏻‍🦼

[@blobbyblob2573]

The 2nd couple looking after their grandchild - it is not the taxpayers responsibility to look after people's children. Surely by the time they got to their age they should have had some savings. People of today, get money and spend it on crappy gadgets and cars. Earn a pound save 1p - live by that rule. Funny all these ill people manage to have children!

[@margaretbanks8969]

I don't have children. Look up the cost if those children had had to go in to a children's home or foster care.

[@rainbowkitten8990]

£800 a month for a family is shocking. After rent, there’s barley anything. I hope they are better off now

[@Chriswallace0405]

It's still no better

[@fionagregory9147]

Barely not barley which is like wheat.

[@Loyalki]

Welcome to a world where we ALL HAVE PROBLEMS. Some more than others. At least last time Martin Evans checked ~~

[@Ray-xh6gb]

Do as you are yold

[@glenvillebushell5353]

The women with black hair could get a job in call center so she dont need sick

[@susanellis7780]

The Law Is! You Should Wait Until A Innocent People Recovers From Illness. Is Tactful And Compassionate With The Innocent Disabled. And. Patient With The Innocent Sick. And. Always! Lawfully Honourable. Listening To The Circumstances Of The Innocent Lawful People. Whoever wants to reach socialism by any other path than that of political democracy will inevitably arrive at conclusions that are absurd and reactionary both in the economic and the political sense. Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov

[@operacat1]

What?

[@chieftp]

you're not being "punished," but you should not be able to stick your hand in my pocket and steal my money to pay your bills.

[@ipcressipcress7810]

The woman in the film looks OK to me! She has disc problems in her neck but throwing her head around OK, standing, sitting walking around the house plus all the normal things. I wouldn't say she is not capable of some sort of work!

[@alison2984]

@amaturraheem I agree my partner also has a invisible disability

[@margaretbanks8969]

ARE YOU doctor.

[@Lairyritelushandishy]

Oh and i wrote that in one go,so understand it is not proof-read:)

[@maddrivers1018]

no one care all heartless maybe the Queen come to the poor on the streets

[@ipcressipcress7810]

Troublel is welfare benefits are too easy to get. Just filling in a form is not enough.They should get a thorough assessment before any decision is made and it shouldn't be backdated and only for a fixed period with no appeals process.

[@realist3351]

I am sick of paying huge sums of tax towards welfare! Some scumbags are getting free money equivalent a reasonabe salary! Just makes me wonder what most of these grown ups were doing all their lives that they now have to rely solely on benefits! Second, if you are ill that's your problem! Third, if you can't survive yourself, don't have kids!

[@Steven-ze2zk]

"...if you are ill that's your problem!" Lol! No, my illness is your problem. If I'm struggling I will make you pay for it. That's how it is and that's how it should be. The tax payer can lick my hole.

[@raymondchassell4204]

What con artist

[@MuhammadHamza-hp4iy]

all walfere work are good but with eman ,because ALLLAH give ajar on that work

[@nitishpandey8637]

simple problem - You spend more than you save/earn(because of debt).

[@unclesimon953]

yeah! give unlimited money to everyone who claims to be ill! it grows on trees!

[@normathomas8830]

so when you get Ill you'll be more genuine I bet !!!

[@unclesimon953]

+Norma Thomas I AM ill! Give me your money & your house or I 'll SCREAMMM !!!!

[@normathomas8830]

Well if your I'll you should be more understanding or is it a case of as long as iam looked after ! What gives you rights to judge others if it was you sure you would not be happy everyone who genuinely needs help should get it this is a bloody rich country

[@richardmadden8742]

Uncle Simon Nobody is saying pay them loads of money, just enough to live on whilst they are ill. Also, the assessment process is a complete joke. People get turned down for serious conditions (like cancer and heart disease) and then have to appeal at the tribunal, which takes around a year to be heard. It would save tax payers more money to get the assessment right in the first place to avoid people appealing which is far more costly.

[@nicoladouglas3270]

Uncle Simon The problem is we are too busy feeding,housing immigrants and even there family's when this country turns its back on its own people!!! your leaders and the wealthy having expensive trips and meals calling them meetings!!!!! we will feed immigrants and do what we can for them ....but ignore the sick and elderly!!! and punish people for falling on hard times!! my mother Worked all her life to then be told she cannot get help at 67yrs old! the real scum of the earth are Sitting in high places and you fools vote them in! working or not ...you are scum and your goverment want you dead!!!

[@Alarmedy8]

That so isn't true cameron is a great mp

[@blobbyblob2573]

If you are ill and/or have an incurable then yes you SHOULD get help, but what about all those teenagers who keep having kids - you only have to look at Jeremy Kyle to see them all on benefits, partners included and their parents (the apple doesnt fall far from the tree) they are the ones they should be targeting. Of course some people are not ill and are conning the system, they are making it worse for those who really need it.

[@skip3778]

similar to the US if there was not so much fraud/waste/abuse then these steps would not have to be taken. the blame should go on the lowlifes that abuse this well intentioned system. Having the working taxpayer fund someone who is capable and committing fraud has to be stopped. problem is that when the people that work and pay taxes make these points they are called every name in the book. Mainly racist(at least in US)

[@freemanmeathead]

yes manly the rich

[@asturel13]

It is not "your" money it is part of the social fund paid by all of our taxes which also covers public services. The problem is that this country is over-run by people who don't want to pay taxes and want a free ride. I'm sure you don't have a problem using the NHS.

[@MsFanmail]

the benefit system is a joke some people take advantage of it and cuts have to be made .

[@alisonburton6019]

+A Smith The welfare reforms were needed to get rid of the people abusing the system & claiming money when they really shouldn't be getting it. A FAIR system helping the REAL people who need the money.

[@rogerstorrs8679]

+Alison Burton When can we HAVE that system ? 10,000 deaths so far - WHEN willl you be satisifed re the stringency ? In ANY walk of life theres a balance between generousity and meanness - if your too open and generous, you may get taken advantage of, if your too mean, the people around you suffer - the death statistics suggest the system is WAY on the side of meanness right now. I dont think the tories understood just how mean the EXISTING system had become (I didnt eat for 10 days AFTER sucessfully completing a workfare scheme (doing 3 months Unpaid IT work for A4E themselves) - this was under BLAIR (He figured most of his opposition were 'left wing'; / economically depressed, so wished to destroy them, or at elast leave them little time for Political Activity.. NOW we have the obscenity of Officials given targets for how many people they can Sanction.. Personally i feel a CIVILISED society should err on the side of Generousity... (Wonder if we'll ever live in one..?)

[@ShitJitsu]

+MsFanmail did you know the queen is worth near 13 trillion pounds? you are looking under the wrong stone.

[@ShitJitsu]

+MsFanmail did you know the queen is worth near 13 trillion pounds? you are looking under the wrong stone.

[@alisonburton6019]

And she spends it on what?

[@blobbyblob2573]

lol

[@didaloca]

If she's struggling for money, why does she have a cat?

[@starlaeuropa]

So, because things have gone tits-up for her, she should get rid of an animal who is probably a source of great comfort for her? How should we do it then? Shall we dump it in a probably already crowded shelter, or just have it destroyed so it's no longer a burden to anyone? Would you like to do it, or would you rather just sit there and gloat about how superior you are to anyone claiming benefits, while someone else does it? Why not extend this to the rest of the country - no pets for those on benefits - they are a luxury only allowed to those in work (until they decide you have outlived your usefulness too). I sure hope your job is as secure as you seem to think it is - remember, you're only one redundancy/accident/illness away from ending up in the same predicament as this lady - some compassion wouldn't go amiss...

[@didaloca]

starlaeuropa i wouldn't put a pet over a roof over my head. There are always ways to rehome animals yourself rather than killing them or sending them to a shelter.

[@starlaeuropa]

So would you do the same thing to a child? Oops - I lost my job - sorry kids, we have to send you away because we can't afford to look after you any more! All those pets being uprooted because their owners end up in dire straits have to end up somewhere - you can't just rely on the "charity" of other people to take them in - that would only lead to these animals eventually ending up in the shelters - scared, traumatised, confused and wondering what they did for their family to just dump them - and I suppose the fact that pets are often the only companions that many sick/disabled/vulnerable people have, doesn't mean much to you - just so long as your tax money isn't being spent on these "useless eaters"!

[@didaloca]

Pets != children

[@christiansenron4]

sell her self to men who like them chubby!

[@suilvenmountain2395]

fibromyalgia, the skivers' charter

[@rosebud5831]

Sadly this has all come about because of people who have abused the system now everyone suffers .