It’s not easy on benefits

RE THE unemployed refusing work but getting benefits (Letters): the system does not pay benefits if work is refused or ‘ signing on’ is not complied with. There are sanctions.

My granddaughter and her partner have three young children. He has a lung condition and needs a major operation, but is too scared to have it, so the doctors refuse to give him a sick note. So although he is not fit enough to sign on or attend a meeting to discuss his situation, all their benefits are stopped.

Once ‘ sanctioned’, he and my daughter have to re- apply for benefits, so for three to four weeks no money comes through. The benefits then recommence until he defaults, and it all starts over again.

This is a young couple with a baby and two toddlers. They are told to go to the food bank, but that has been tightened up due to people abusing the system.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not easy being on benefits. There seem to be a few who play the system. My granddaughter is ground down with worry for her children, as am I. DOROTHY FORSTER, Hyde, Cheshire.