[Closed] Husband of MS sufferer told 'quit work' for benefits

nonsense. if i could be bothered i would explain why, but it really isn't worth my time.

Now if the story were backed up by a breakdown of their present income and what it would be with hubby unemployed I would take the story seriously. She's a serial media manipulator, treat with caution.

Of course what she claims to have been told has nothing to do with the fact that she is being prosecuted for not paying council tax and her protestations "I haven't got any money to pay a bit of the council tax". *rolls eyes*

And if they would be better off then why the hell is her husband still working and not looking after her ? There are almost 3 million unemployed, the problem isn't going to be helped by people with sick partners taking jobs when they should be at home caring. Jobs are precious - no point forcing the sick and carers into the few that exist.

I am sure TJ said something along the lines of "work always leaves you better off!" ? Well clearly not.

Who's TJ - a government minister ? I don't recognise the initials. Well whoever they are, they're talking nonsense - there are plenty of employers who offer crap jobs on crap wages which incur high expenses (travel costs etc)

And finally, if you think the 'system's broken' you wait until this shower of ****s have finished screwing it up.

Who's TJ - a government minister ? I don't recognise the initials. Well whoever they are, they're talking nonsense

"this shower of **** have finished screwing it up."

Unless you're more precise, Ernie, I'm forced to assume you mean the leftward leaning civil servants that have tinkered the benefits system into the mess it is under every government since WWII.

Unless you're more precise, Ernie,

Well I insist that people occasionally try to think for themselves, so no, I'm not going to be more precise.

If you think that it is "leftward leaning civil servants" who are the ones which at present are 'overhauling' the benefit system, then I'm happy for you to carry on thinking it.

Surely its better that he looks after her than a 'carer'?

From a taxpayers point of view, probably cheaper too.

And since when was it 'her' council tax, its the 'household' council tax - it just happens that she either owns/rents the house or is the first-name on the bill.

There are almost 3 million unemployed, the problem isn't going to be helped by people with sick partners taking jobs when they should be at home caring

Yep, no point at all in people trying to make a living in a dignified way 🙄

"And if they would be better off then why the hell is her husband still working and not looking after her ? There are almost 3 million unemployed, the problem isn't going to be helped by people with sick partners taking jobs when they should be at home caring."

But is there 3 million jazz violinists. Her husband, according to his website has the type of job that is a way of life. It isn't the case of him resigning and an employer taking on someone else.

"His time in England is split between playing, recording, teaching, writing & arranging, and caring for his wheelchair bound wife."

http://www.omarpuente.com/about-me/

It's only natural that as a musician he prefers to work rather than sit on the dole. But they should pay their council tax as well. I'd need to see all their income before being convinced about their claimed poverty.

Awaiting CHB's response with interest.

It isn't the case of him resigning and an employer taking on someone else.

Well he best negotiate better wages then, since in response to her being hauled before the courts his missus claims that she hasn't "got any money to pay a bit of the council tax". The fact that she is skint is hardly proof that the benefit system is overgenerous. Which is clearly what the OP was implying.

Yep, no point at all in people trying to make a living in a dignified way

So looking after a sick partner is now undignified is it ? Well I guess you're probably right - thanks to the daily poison spouted out by the tabloids.

And btw I have no issue with the guy working, if that's what the he wants to do. But I do object to people being forced to work when they are either sick or looking after someone else who is, specially as jobs are so scarce and there isn't exactly a labour shortage.

These constant stories alleging that the benefit system is too generous are designed to imply that rising unemployment has nothing to do with the government's failed economic policies, and everything to do with an overgenerous welfare state. Well I for one reserve the right to reject that bullshit, and point an accusing finger at the government - not the victims. There are plenty of countries with no benefit system, or very little benefit system, and they invariably have mind boggling levels of unemployment.

It's only natural that as a musician he prefers to work rather than sit on the dole.

Ahhh yes that famous musicians work ethic 😆

CHB - what exactly is the issue?

If the link you added is correct, the husband has not been told to quit work. They have been advised that they would be better off if he quit work. There is an important distinction. And why would it be reasonable for the benefits office to give then the wrong information - surely its their duty to give these people the correct advice regarding their circumstances?

i sure he came claim carers allowance and still go out to work, certainly one of the mums at school gets it for little 'billy' and hops off to work whilst he's at school( in the new audi.. disabled sticker on display)

Sorry for no reply all day, been at work.
I posted this as a few people were saying on the "£26000..." thread that individuals would always be better off working than on the dole.
Now I am not an expert in the welfare system, and perhaps I am guilty of assuming that the fact that because its on the BBC news that the bare facts of her case may be correct.

Debbie is clearly media savvy and turns the story to her situation, but as far as I can tell the facts are that she would be financially better off if her partner gave up work and became a carer. It seems a shame that the tapers or cut-offs for assistance are so brutal that they would be worse off by her partner working.

If the story is a crock of lies then please someone clear it up, but its from the BBC, not the Daily Wail.

[img] [/img]

totalshell - Member
i sure he came claim carers allowance and still go out to work, certainly one of the mums at school gets it for little 'billy' and hops off to work whilst he's at school( in the new audi.. disabled sticker on display)

You have to care for someone for 35 hours a week/earning less than £100/week to claim Carer's Allowance.

You stalking her or something? How do you know she "hops off to work" rather than going home and caring for someone? And what bearing does the kind of car she's driving have?

The thing about benefits is that all the information is readily accessible from DirectGov/NHS etc but even with the power of the internet people can't be bothered to check whether the stories are true.

CHB - and she is manipulation the media to try to make out she has done no wrong.

She will be worse off if the hubby gives up work - thats where thd long tapers on benefits come in.

WE are not getting the whole story here for sure

If the link you added is correct, the husband has not been told to quit work. They have been advised that they would be better off if he quit work. There is an important distinction.

Allegedly teamhurtmore, she alleges that her husband has been advised they would be better off if he quit work. The link provides no evidence of this being true other than that she claims this was what he was told. So it's not even first hand - it's hearsay. Which as far as I'm aware isn't even admissible in court.

But anyway, whatever the truth is, it is not the fact that they would be better off if her husband wasn't working which is "ridiculous" as she claims, it is the fact that he works and she says [i]"I haven't got any money to pay a bit of the council tax. If we pay a bit of the council tax then we just don't eat"[/i] which is truly ridiculous. He must have a really crap job. My freely offered advice is that he chucks it and finds himself a proper job 😀

There is one thing in the link attributed to her which I don't doubt :

[i]"I'm terrified of going to court but I'm excited that maybe somebody will listen"[/i]

Yup, so excited that she contacted the media even before getting to court.

She said if her husband was unemployed they would get further benefits including free council tax, free prescriptions and help paying the interest on their mortgage.

there are other reason why they will not be better off in work but I cannot be bothered explaining

Now I am not an expert in the welfare system

the facts are that she would be financially better off if her partner gave up work and became a carer

* its far more complicated than this due to the way they calculate it but I have simplified it as it would take days to explain the system but its not based on your actual interest rate of your mortgage....dont ask.

Hmm - wonder what type of MS she has and how it effects her. Doesnt look to ill in that photo.....

Surrounded By Zulus - Member
Hmm - wonder what type of MS she has and how it effects her. Doesnt look to ill in that photo.....

Neither does my mate in a photo of his face. But his leg could be spasming so much he can't stand up or he could lose all sensation in his hands and burn himself without realising it, or he could just be walking along normally and suddenly lose balance.

Disgusting comment btw.

Will be back to this thread very soon, only I have nearly finished the evening meal and I have to put it out.

Husband of wife who has secondary progressive MS (for over 21 years). I'm still working full time.

Lifer - it's not a disgusting comment. My wife's family has a hell of a lot of MS in it of all types, very very few of them claim benefits despite being severely impaired by their illness.

Lifer - it's not a disgusting comment.

Maybe not disgusting but suggesting a medical diagnosis ([i]"Doesnt look to ill"[/i]) from a photo is pretty dumb.

How is it dumb? And where is the suggested medical diagnosis? There is merely a subjective comment that in that picture she doent look ill. It is an opinion and is based on what I see in that picture.

Reading further she has had Primary Progressive MS since 1995. Wonder how far her illness has progressed in that time. Is she completely incapacitated, or is she relatively able - either or could be the case.

Yeah alright.

Are prescriptions not free anyway for people with ongoing medical conditions that require medication?

no

Certain conditions yes but not generally - however if you are on benefits they are - even in work benefits

How is it dumb? And where is the suggested medical diagnosis? There is merely a subjective comment that in that picture she doent look ill. It is an opinion and is based on what I see in that picture.

EDIT: Shades of grey TJ not all in work benefits give free prescriptions = working family tax credit for example [ depends on actual income iirc

So you give medical diagnosis of MS [ of which I am sur eyou are qualified to do] based on photos and you want to know why that is dumb...not even your trolltastic self is that dumb

EH? Have you read all the posts?

yes, now pin dance away for our delight ...you know you want to/need to far more than we want to read it

Nowt like wasting a good thread now is there JY...

I know junkyard should have read [i]some [/i]in work benefits. I didn't say all in work benefits tho 🙂

That is the kind of back pedalling pin dance SBZ needs to master. 😉

Are you saying SBZ and I are angels?

There's some really insensitive crap on this thread - presumably written by people who are lucky enough to have no experience of this type of situation . . .

Right here goes (as I see the usual suspects have not even drawn breath since my post)

My wife has secondary progressive MS this has been the case since 1988, in that time she has gradually deteriorated in her ability to lead a "normal" life to the point now where she has 4 visits a day from a care agency while I'm at work.
Just before Christmas she had a super pubic catheter fitted as toilet visits were the main cause her falling/not being able to get up from the toilet.
Our house has become cluttered with mobility aids, to list a few.
Stair lift
Glideabout chairs x 2
mini electric wheelchair
Etac turner x 2
Transfer board
Manger Camel

All of these things help but don't help much when your wife is collapsed on the floor in pain with leg spasms and a terrible voluntary tremor in her left arm that causes her to smash her hand against the radiator she's trying to use to pull herself up with.
But if you were to walk into the lounge while she was sitting on the sofa you would say she looks well.

SBZ as someone from the world hot spot of MS I'm quite sad you don't see the nasty nature of your posts.

I could post loads more about the degrading nature of her illness for both of us but I will spare you that.

Despite this we have both agreed that I must continue working as the person giving up work often ends up resenting every facet of their life & at this point I am still paying twice as much tax as my wife receives in disability related benefits

She said: "I haven't got any money to pay a bit of the council tax. If we pay a bit of the council tax then we just don't eat.

mrovershoot, best thoughts to you and mrs overshoot.
My best mate has a disease called cmt, which is an evil degenerative disease. Despite this he works and remains a source of massive positive energy.
For folk who get the genuine short straw of genetic or disabling illness I thing our society can never do enough to help.
mf: the woman in the article is clearly making her case in the most vivid, media headline friendly way possible. Cant say I blame her if its the only way to get heard. If she could exagerate even more maybe we could make her an honourary stw member?

SBZ as someone from the world hot spot of MS I'm quite sad you don't see the nasty nature of your posts.

Try interpreting them in an inquisitive way rather than a nasty way then. Leave your pre-conceptions out of it.

Sorry that's just dug you even deeper into your trench!

SBZ I would understand your posts if that was just a picture of a woman from the shoulders up with no other qualifying stuff.

Although I'm sure she's pretty media savvy and is a bit more vocal than people like my wife, it sometimes takes people like her to raise awareness of others plight.

On the flip side this woman has done very well for someone with Primary progressive MS if she was diagnosed with it in 1995!!
In that I mean she still has the energy to do stuff as by now my wife is exhausted from the simple effort of brushing her teeth (this includes water and toothpaste everywhere and a change of tops)

IIRC Sheldon Brown had PPMS and only lived 3 or so years from diagnosis, I did have an email conversation with him for a few months about his MS but once it got really bad I told him to concentrate on his family.

Surrounded By Zulus

Leave your pre-conceptions out of it.

That's a very strange thing to say to someone after claiming that the woman in question : [i]"Doesnt look to ill in that photo"[/i]

Or are just trolling/having a laugh ?

If she could exagerate even more maybe we could make her an honourary stw member?

Leave your pre-conceptions out of it.

SBZ sometimes you say stuff that provoke debate and it is good and sometimes you make piers morgan look like a nice guy.
This was not the thread for you to do your usual trolling and it was a pretty distasteful comment.
It really is a shame there is no comment you wont make for attention - as for trying to play the victim card or acting like you are being picked on or misconstrued after that comment FFS like anyone will buy that

It's easy to play the troll card isnt it. How about you put some thought into it for a change rather than simply follow the pack mentality.

Oh sorry my mistake your are not a troll ...but that means you meant it, in which case you are a ****
Sorry I said troll when , with thought, I meant ****

TBH i really dont understand why you troll then get all uppity when someone cries troll - there is nothing you wont do for attention is there

Pathetic - literally pathetic.

Let me remove the limelight from you which you crave so much

No idea why you do this...do you know?

Sadly he's not alone... The poor have become the new jewry.

Surrounded By Zulus - Member
How about you put some thought into it for a change

You should have put some thought into how that comment comes across. To me it's cleary insinuating that she's faking/embellishing.

TBH Junkyard I didn't take any offence from the remark, after some of the looks we've had going into places with her wheelchair you very quickly loose any sense of being put out.

I know SBZ likes to provoke a reaction and sometimes you get the feeling whatever you post up their reply will be typed without reading anyone elses posts, which is why I didn't say I was upset only sad he needed to use a cheap shot.

FFS - get the chips off your shoulders. It makes me wonder if many of you have ever seen someone who is severely debilitated through MS, as is unable to walk, or talk, or control their muscles in any meaningful way. If you have then you'd realise that in the picture in the article she doesn't "look" "ill". That is not saying that she isnt ill. Look at other articles about her and you'll see pictures where she does look ill, but not as ill as some people who have had the same condition for a far shorter period of time.

I work with MS patients who are in far worse condition than she appears to be.

Surrounded By Zulus - Member
FFS - get the chips off your shoulders

[i]Really[/i]?

It makes me wonder if many of you have ever seen someone who is severely debilitated through MS, as is unable to walk, or talk, or control their muscles in any meaningful way

Did you not read what I said? Surely you are aware that RRMS is the most common type?

[url] http://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-is-ms/types-of-ms/relapsing-remitting-rrms [/url]

Eh?

[img] [/img]

If you have then you'd realise that in the picture in the article she doesn't "look" "ill". That is not saying that she isnt ill.

So why the **** say it then ?

She has MS, that's all you need to know. Whether this photo does her justice is irrelevant.

[img] [/img]

I work with MS patients who are in far worse condition than she appears to be.

The article isn't about her entering a competition to see who's got the worse MS you know.
So I don't know why you think that comment is necessary.

MS goes through the whole spectrum of outcomes, impairment levels and routes. For some MS gives them very little bother, some are pretty much gubbed instantly. Saying that she has MS is hardly a pinpoint indicator of her quality of life.

Is it too much to wonder about how her MS effects her before making a judgement on a brief story in the media?

Think about your response.

Surrounded By Zulus - Member
I work with MS patients who are in far worse condition than she appears to be.

I'm married to someone with MS who sometimes appears to be in a far worse condition than the lady in the picture, but that means nothing as if she has Primary progressive then she could get much worse very quickly.

I'm still not sure what your trying to prove with your line of posts

EDIT

I started my post before you replied but got sidetracked by work!

You have sort of said the same as me about the huge range of MS suffering, As I have said before for someone with PPMS she's doing well if she was diagnosed in 1995 & appears not to have suffered much cognative decline.

she [b][i][u]could[/b][/i][/u] get much worse very quickly.?

Merely pointing out that where MS is concerned there are no definite timescales to anything.

You have sort of said the same as me about the huge range of MS suffering, As I have said before for someone with PPMS she's doing well if she was diagnosed in 1995 & appears not to have suffered much cognative decline.

Seems to be doing very well, which is nice to see. It's a horrible illness for both those who suffer it and those who care for them.