A Royal Navy veteran confined to a hospital bed in Plymouth after having his right leg amputated says he’s been told by Universal Credit overlords to go out looking for work.
Kevin Barnes’ life was turned upside down three and a half weeks ago when surgeons treating him for severe circulatory problems decided it would be best to take away a limb.
The former Petty Officer Engineering Technician, who served in the armed forces for 17 years, now has to adjust indefinitely to life in a wheelchair after he’s out of Mount Gould.
But Kevin, 62, is petrified what will happen once he’s back out on civvy street.
He claims DWP central decision-makers won’t give him any more than £16 a month in Universal Credit – because his naval pension is considered a source of ‘income’.
But that only pays out £500 a month, Kevin says – whilst his rent is £410, leaving him in dire straits.
Worst still, the father-of-two says he’s been lumped into the same category of people who must show they’re still serious about getting back into employment.
DWP officials say they are now reviewing whether Kevin can work and claim more money in light of his new circumstances.
Yet Kevin told Plymouth Live that was news to him and it’s been a nightmare trying to get answers from welfare hierarchy.
Global News 
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