I admit I am naive but...

Hi Rachel

Please can someone explain why being means tested is humiliating?

I'm not sure why people would find it humiliating but it is certainly frustrating.

It is a catch-22, many people will have saved for their retirement, they are now faced with a situation that if they have savings of more than £15,000 and/or a weekly income of more than £90/week, then you are not eligble for means tested benefits.

So do they "burn off" the savings or forgoe the benefits, either way they lose.

I can certainly relate as I had investments that were intended to cover a 30K shortfall on an endowment mortgage with just two years to go, now I am having to look at selling my home in a depressed market, in an attempt to downsize.

Stephen

Ranald

Wasn't sure if you coming back to me or Rachel.

They may be the rules, but that does nothing assuage the feelings of failure and fear for the future that have resulted from my becoming ill (again). I have gone from a feeling of control to one of no control and more importantly no hope of ever regaining control.

And whilst it does not effect me I have real concerns over the earnings cap. You could have a couple, one on IB the other earning minimum wage, who's income could be effectively halved as a result of the cuts coming into effect.

Doesn't sound fair, and doesn't sound like we're all in it together.

And as bad as I might think my situation is, I doubt I'll have any problem finding someone who is worse.

Stephen