Britain suddenly finds cure for bad backs and depression

[shaunbhoy]

The only benefit you've missed out is benefit of doubt

Whereas you have missed out on the benefit of being in the remotest way interesting.

[SizeZero]

So how does that work then?

Surely incapacity benefits and job seekers etc are all means tested. So if you're earning Lockhouse then how come the wife gets benefits?? Or us this another benefit i've missed!

If this lady has been independently earning, and paying tax, for 10, 20, 30 years, and then suffers an illness like the BigC or MS, or a serious injury (like my other half did in an RTA) - which could happen to anyone at anytime! - why the hell should she be means tested in her hour of need?

She is far more worthy than many fraudsters out there. I'm sure you weren't intending to call Mrs L that? As a society we need to protect our genuinely vulnerable members, while shaming the abusers only.

[shaunbhoy]

If this lady has been independently earning, and paying tax, for 10, 20, 30 years, and then suffers an illness like the BigC or MS, or a serious injury (like my other half did in an RTA) - which could happen to anyone at anytime! - why the hell should she be means tested in her hour of need?

She is far more worthy than many fraudsters out there. I'm sure you weren't intending to call Mrs L that? As a society we need to protect our genuinely vulnerable members, while shaming the abusers only.

I must admit, I got the impression that MF was merely questioning whether or not the system allows her to claim, in practical terms, on an independent basis, rather than suggesting she is not entitled. For all the reasons you cite yourself.
For me, the most galling thing about the abuse of the system is that it penalises most the genuine cases who would, were it not for the actions of the abusers, be entitled to even more help than they currently get.

[MarillionFan]

As Sb says.

I'm interested in how it works etc

My partner worked until we had kids. Maternity is over etc and she no longer works.

So how does it all work. Benefits, job seekers, incapacity etc etc

Always wondered what u can can't claim for.

[gingerjedi]

As Sb says.

I'm interested in how it works etc

My partner worked until we had kids. Maternity is over etc and she no longer works.

So how does it all work. Benefits, job seekers, incapacity etc etc

Always wondered what u can can't claim for.

Gawd only knows, we had a poor year 2009/2010 yet now we're both working so far this year we've had a 3.5k rebate and free prescriptions for 12 months.

We really could have done with this 12 months ago, we don't really need it now.

[Gibbon]

So how does that work then?

Surely incapacity benefits and job seekers etc are all means tested. So if you're earning Lockhouse then how come the wife gets benefits?? Or us this another benefit i've missed!

Incapacity isn't means tested as far as I know. A fellow subbie's wife gets it even though he's on > 100k.