Disabled Stevenage man needs foodbanks to survive after benefits cut

A disabled man has been forced to rely on foodbanks to survive after going months without receiving benefits.

Friday, October 10, 2014
3:02 PM

Alan Ogden lives in Brent Court, Stevenage and suffers from Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, which affects a person’s breathing, and a fused right wrist which he cannot bend.

The 53-year-old applied for Personal Independence Payment, which replaced Disability Living Allowance, in October last year, and Job Seekers Allowance in August – but is yet to receive a penny in either payment.

His last payment of JSA was on July 24 after which he was told to apply for Employment Support Allowance, which is designed for people with a disability.

He applied for ESA but was refused and told to reapply for JSA which he did on August 4 – only to be told that his account has been closed down and he would have to reapply again.

Alan admits he lost all hope with the system and has since turned to Stevenage Community Food Bank to survive.

He said: “I just feel like I have been pushed from pillar to post.

“At one stage I just wanted to do myself in. I’ve got children and grandchildren and it’s a silly thing to even suggest but this whole situation makes me so low.

“I’ve worked all my life and I’m not a scrounger, but I expect the support that I need.

“I’m not a drinker but sometimes I feel like becoming an alcoholic because my life is such a misery.”

Despite having an operation in September, Alan’s wrist has continued to deteriorate and his doctor has now told him he must see a specialist surgeon who works at a hospital in Southampton.

But he has not been able to attend an appointment there – because he cannot afford the train fare.

The DWP has confirmed that they will have set up an urgent appointment with Alan to get him assessed for PIP and JSA so he can access benefits he is entitled to as soon as possible.

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