Navy veteran told to get a job after leg is amputated
A ROYAL Navy veteran coming to terms with life in a wheelchair after his leg was amputated says he has been told to ‘get a job’ by benefit officials.
Kevin Barnes’s life was turned upside down when his leg was removed threeand-a-half weeks ago because of severe circulatory problems.
The 62-year-old said he has been told by the Department for Work and Pensions he can only claim £16 a month in universal credit and must show he is trying to find a job.
‘I’m supposed to be looking for work in the future, enhancing my CV, this that and the other,’ he said. ‘But I cannot plan for work at the moment. I have to prepare myself for being in a wheelchair all the time and get used to that. Then there’s the prosthetics – I have my first meeting for that as well.’
Mr Barnes, from Plymouth, served in the Navy as a petty officer for 17 years between 1972 to 1989. He was told his benefits were so low because he has a £500-a-month military pension, which he uses to cover his £410 rent.
His £81.90 personal independence payment is in jeopardy because of the time he has spent in hospital.
‘I had been working and I expect to work,’ he said. ‘I just thought I would be working and my naval pension would be a bit of a bonus, but it’s turned out to be my main source of income.’
Mr Barnes said he is adjusting to life in the wheelchair and felt ‘at child’s height’ during a Remembrance service where his friends had to carry him into a pub afterwards. ‘My life has totally, totally changed,’ he added. The DWP said he was assessed before his operation and a review is under way. ‘Income such as occupational pensions are always taken into account,’ it added.