A Fife man with learning disabilities whose benefits were cut leaving him without food and power has been ridiculed, according to a family member.
Steven Elder’s Jobseeker’s Allowance was withdrawn after he was told he had failed to search properly for work.
His former mother-in-law, Catherine Craig, who is now acting as his representative, claims it would have been obvious to Jobcentre Plus staff that Steven had additional needs.
Instead, she said, the 28-year-old, of Cardenden, had been left penniless, surviving on tap water and tea.
Catherine told The Courier: ”They have ridiculed someone with learning disabilities. Just speaking to him for five minutes, it’s clear he has learning disabilities.
”He should have had extra help, they should never have just jumped in and stopped his money. He had nothing to eat and he had no gas or electricity for two weeks.”
The father-of-two has had no allowance since the end of May and it will be next week before payments resume. Unless something is done, Catherine fears his benefit will be sanctioned again.
Steven’s learning disability is caused by the condition neurofibromatosis, which causes nerve tissue to grow tumours. Learning difficulties are common among sufferers.
Catherine said Steven, who previously worked at a recycling plant, struggles with reading and writing.
He has, she claimed, been regularly seeking work at the Jobcentre and, with her help, on the internet, but Catherine added: ”There aren’t many employers that will take him on.”
Catherine has lodged an appeal on Steven’s behalf, and said: ”I’m happy to speak up for Steven, but what about people like him who have no one to speak up for them?”
The Department for Work and Pensions, which administers benefits through Jobcentre Plus, said a meeting would be held with Steven.
A spokesman said: ”We will be meeting with Mr Elder and his representatives to discuss his claim and to make sure he receives the benefits and help he is entitled to.”
Photo David Wardle