This Will Make the National Newspapers!!! Please watch your language if you live a comment on this one as we know how angry this will make you especially veterans!!! Sorry about the re post but would not let this post share it will now without the other link sorry for any inconvenience. Every client we assist has different issues that need to be addressed. The following is a brief insight into the problems encountered by a new Client. After receiving a referral this morning, contact was made with a guy currently sofa surfing at his sisters in the North East. The guy served in the Army for 15 years and reached the rank of Sergeant. In 2012 while serving in Afghanistan the first waves of redundancies were announced, some compulsory and some voluntary. From what our guy had seen and witnessed in active service he decided to take his redundancy. Soon after leaving the Army, the effects of war started to take there toll through PTSD resulting in a breakdown of his marriage. Following this he took up employment working overseas as a diver and instructor, which he did for a 9 month period, before his PTSD created so many problems that he could not cope. Returning back to the UK in December 2013 our guy was lucky enough to have family, and his sister offered to put him up until he could source his own accommodation. Our guy then registered with a local doctor to seek help, and after being diagnosed with what the doctor thought was severe stress and depression a sick note was issued, and his doctor advised him not to work. For the first time in his life he then has to register with the DWP for ESA and the following are the problems he has encountered. As of the 1st of January 2014, new laws were put in place with regard to claiming benefits in the UK, for EEA Nationals and returning British Citizens who have lived or worked abroad. So our guy then has to prove to the authorities that he has a right to reside in the UK and he also needed to prove Habitual Residence in the UK. He never had to prove this while serving overseas in the military being shot at in Afghanistan. Our guy has recently completed the 6 week Combat Stress Therapy at Hollybush House, but is still not classed by the DWP as being a Habitual Resident of the UK. SPVA and the RBL have involvement in this case and even they can’t believe the stance of the DWP. Our guy does not want to be reliant on the State, but currently due to his condition he does not have a lot of choice. Until this situation is resolved he will not be able to claim ESA ( Sick Pay) which in turn makes him ineligible to claim Housing Benefit, which basically means he cannot obtain his own accommodation at this time. One of the major parts of dealing with any mental health issue, is stability which our guy does not have. So the question we are going to ask is..... How can a British Citizen, who served Queen and Country for 15 years in combat zones, not be recognised as a Habitual Resident in the country he fought to protect? There will be more to this story.
Posted on: Wed, 11 Jun 2014 21:36:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015