A devoted caregiver, George Henderson, found himself in a legal battle and had to sell his home to repay nearly £20,000 in benefit overpayments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) admitted that it was an innocent mistake on his part.
Henderson, 64, unintentionally made a small gain of just 30p per week while claiming carer’s allowance for his son John, who has learning difficulties and struggles with addiction. This error led to financial struggles, homelessness, and health issues for Henderson.
Despite working as a taxi driver since 2002, Henderson mistakenly indicated that he was unemployed on the application form for carer’s allowance in 2010. The DWP only realized the mistake after more than six years, leading to accusations of fraudulent claims and legal proceedings against Henderson.
Following a lengthy legal battle, Henderson was fined and ordered to wear an electronic tag, causing immense distress and humiliation. The pressure to repay the debt forced him to sell his home, leaving him emotionally devastated.
The ordeal took a toll on Henderson’s mental and physical health, pushing him to the brink of suicide and severe illness. His story sheds light on the challenges faced by caregivers who inadvertently breach benefit rules and face harsh consequences.
Henderson’s experience underscores the need for a review of the system to prevent similar injustices in the future. His struggle serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and protecting caregivers in society.
2024-04-11 23:00:45
Link from www.theguardian.com
