A devoted full-time carer has been pushed to the brink of a financial and mental breakdown after being declared ‘fit for work’ by the government and slapped with a full council tax bill she cannot afford to pay.
Natalie Homer, 36, from Maesteg, Wales, dedicates her life to caring for her disabled partner and their young son, who has additional needs. Despite her tireless, round-the-clock responsibilities, she was recently assessed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and told she is eligible for work.
A Perfect Storm of Financial Pressure
The devastating verdict from the DWP triggered a catastrophic chain of events. Because she no longer receives certain benefits, her local council removed her single person discount and her Council Tax Reduction.
“I’ve gone from paying nothing to being told I need to pay the full whack,” Natalie explains, her voice heavy with stress. “I’ve been issued a bill for over £1,800. I am a full-time carer – where on earth am I supposed to find that kind of money?”
Life on the Frontline of Care
Natalie’s days are consumed by her caring duties. Her partner lives with a degenerative disc disease and severe mental health challenges, requiring constant support. Their seven-year-old son has an undiagnosed condition that leads to severe behavioural issues, meaning he cannot yet attend school full-time.
“People just don’t understand what it’s like,” she says. “I’m on call 24/7. I don’t get holidays or sick days. To be told I’m ‘fit for work’ feels like a cruel joke and a complete dismissal of everything I do.”
The Crippling Impact on Mental Health
The financial strain and the feeling of being utterly failed by the system have taken a severe toll. Natalie confesses she is now suffering from depression and anxiety, plagued by the constant fear of bailiffs appearing at her door.
“The stress is unbearable. I lie awake at night worrying about how we will survive. This system is supposed to support people like us, but it’s kicking us when we’re down.”
A Plea for Understanding and Change
Natalie’s story is a stark reminder of the struggles faced by thousands of unpaid carers across the UK. She is now fighting the decisions, a process that involves endless form-filling and phone calls – a huge burden on top of her existing responsibilities.
Her case highlights a glaring issue: the failure of systems to recognise the immense value and full-time nature of caring. She has a simple, powerful message for policymakers: “See us. Hear us. We are saving the country millions by caring for our loved ones. We need support, not punishment.”
