When Sheila Nesbitt was asked what change you would get from £1 if you spent 75p, she didn’t know the answer.
It was one of the questions the 58-year-old was asked during a reassessment for benefit claim.
But, the assessor thought that she was able to work out a complex budget and the Department for Work and Pensions deemed her fit for work.
Sheila, of Gateshead, had her benefits moved from Employment Support Allowance to Universal Credit – despite the fact she has learning disabilities and can’t read, write, use a computer or do basic maths.
After being moved to Universal Credit, Sheila lost £100 per week and has struggled to balance her budget. She is now behind on paying her rent.
She said: “The assessor asked if I could do sums and I thought ‘Nah, not really’ I thought what is that.
After ending up in rent arrears and…
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