Braintree: Benefit cut could kill me, claims dad

12:00pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

Braintree: Benefit cut could kill me, claims dad Braintree: Benefit cut could kill me, claims dad

A dad who can no longer pay for his heart failure medication after his benefits were stopped fears he may become seriously ill.

Jorge Amaral became homeless at 12noon on Monday as he can no longer stay at The New Direction Centre in Bocking.

The Portuguese national moved to Braintree in March 2012 to be closer to his two sons following a heart attack.

He initially stayed with one of them before applying to the Salvation Army in November last year.

Days later he was taken to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford with breathing problems due to heart failure and a lung infection.

Doctors declared him unfit to work.

At the beginning of February the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said he was not entitled to do Employment and Support Allowance as he is not a habitual UK resident.

See this week's Times for the full story. 

Comments (4)

12:56pm Fri 22 Feb 13

The Blue Frog says...

Well I am sorry this gentleman is unwell but I can't believe he was given benefits at all. He came to live in this country knowing that he was unwell and expected the hard-working population in the UK to pay for him, without any contribution from him whatsoever.
Well I am sorry this gentleman is unwell but I can't believe he was given benefits at all. He came to live in this country knowing that he was unwell and expected the hard-working population in the UK to pay for him, without any contribution from him whatsoever. The Blue Frog

12:58pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Witham1901 says...

It is sad that this guy has a serious condition, but why should he get benefits. He only came over to the UK last year and so hasn't put anything into our economy.
He says he has come over to be near his son's because he is so ill - if they are that close a family, why is this guy homeless?
It is sad that this guy has a serious condition, but why should he get benefits. He only came over to the UK last year and so hasn't put anything into our economy. He says he has come over to be near his son's because he is so ill - if they are that close a family, why is this guy homeless? Witham1901

4:00pm Fri 22 Feb 13

Jude14 says...

I believe there is more to this story, like the truth. If I travel overseas, I always
have health insurance and somwhere to stay. Hope he has a return ticket so that he can receive health care at home.
I believe there is more to this story, like the truth. If I travel overseas, I always have health insurance and somwhere to stay. Hope he has a return ticket so that he can receive health care at home. Jude14

9:26pm Mon 25 Feb 13

JINTHEB says...

Unbelievable!!!!!!!
Unbelievable!!!!!!! JINTHEB

Comments are closed on this article.

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