In 2010, George Henderson When filling out a “difficult” application for carer’s allowance, she mistakenly checked the box that said she was unemployed. He thought the Department for Work and Pensions was asking about his son John, who has a learning disability and is addicted to heroin.
Checking that box changed Henderson’s life. He was dragged to court after the DWP decided to prosecute, was found guilty of fraud and had to sell his home to repay around £20,000 in benefit overpayments. Told. The department recently acknowledged that Mr. Henderson had made an innocent mistake.
Henderson isn’t alone. Guardian Society Editor; Patrick Butler,Tell you Helen Pitt He said he was investigating why so many carers were being taken to court for benefit fraud. He seeks to see what can be done to address this incident, which has similarities to the Post Office Horizon IT scandal.
Photo: Christopher Thomond/Guardian
