Jersey carer loses £10,000 of income because of 'overlapping benefits' law

A parent in Jersey with two disabled children is calling for a change to what he's calling an 'archaic and unjust' benefits' law. Mark Jones, who has a daughter with severe autism and a son with down syndrome, receives a home carer's allowance.

But, under the current law he is not eligible to receive his state pension as well, which puts him £10,000 a year out of pocket.

Mark Jones has now set up an online petition calling for a change in the law, which he describes as 'unfair' and 'archaic'. Credit: ITV Channel

Mark lost his wife, Heather, to cancer more than ten years ago.

Following her death he was entitled to a widow's pension but when he recently reached pensionable age, this was removed.

Mark expected his State pension to replace it but found out that he can't draw his carer's allowance at the same time.

He has now set up an online petition calling for a change to what he describes, as a 'ridiculous' law.

Mark Jones has set up an online petition calling for a change to the so called 'overlapping benefits' law. Credit: ITV Channel

A government spokesperson told ITV News that Jersey's Social Security Minister is aware of the petition, however she is unable to comment on individual cases.