Widow can no longer afford to get sick

AS a result of the Budget cuts, Joan Horgan, 52, cannot afford to get sick.

Since the death of her husband six and a half years ago, Joan has received a widow’s contributory pension, now at 140.30.

Up to now, if she were to lose her job or become ill, she would have received a half-rate payment of Disability or Unemployment Benefit. But that was scrapped yesterday.

If I am out of work due to illness, there will be no money to cover my loss of earnings. “The widow’s pension is being paid because of my husband’s work. I am paying stamps myself now and should be entitled to this half-rate payment for disability or unemployment for my own work,” she added.