Claims carers in Lincolnshire could be missing out on benefits because the system's too complex
We've been speaking to one carer from Bourne
Last updated 24th Jul 2024
Today we're hearing carers across Lincolnshire find the process of claiming benefits hugely challenging amid fears that means some are missing out on thousands they're fully entitled to.
Charity "Turn to you" says the Universal credit system for all claimants is confusing and not fit for purpose.
Gary Waterhouse from Bourne became a carer when his wife was diagnosed with a tumour in her spine.
He says getting an allowance was difficult and upsetting.
There's a stigma about people being scroungers
"I've not been in the benefits system - I've worked since the age of 14 and so has my wife."
"It was a bit alien to us having to to A) - ask for help and B) navigate our way through it."
"When you're claiming any kind of help there's a stigma about people being scroungers."
"Initially my mental health suffered - I was grieving over my wife's loss of mobility."
"I lost my parents within a year".
"Me being a carer is actually saving the country a lot of money
"I wasn't in a good place mentally and finding these challenges and hurdles was just near impossible."
"People are tarred with the same brush that just because we claim benefits and seek help that we are spongers."
"I'm going out their to work as best I can whilst trying to care."
"Me being a carer is actually saving the country a lot of money."
"24-7 care - I'm getting the equivalent of one pound 40 an hour for the carer's allowance."
"What other job would you do that for?"
People don't realise what the situation is that individuals go through
"If I went out to work full time and get the minimum wage - I'm having to pay carers to look after my wife."
"Part time - not full time like me at 18 or 19 pounds an hour."
"People don't realise what the situation is that individuals go through."
"Everybody's unique - everybody's got their own issues to tackle."