Rose Jones, a 22-year-old carer, received a repayment demand of 2,145 from the DWP due to mistaken advice regarding her earnings from a youth employment scheme. Despite caring for her disabled mother since age eight, she felt overwhelmed by the financial burden and lack of support. After her story was publicized, Guardian readers raised over 3,000 through crowdfunding to help her settle the debt. Jones plans to use the funds to repay the DWP and donate to Southampton Young Carers, highlighting the challenges young carers face under current policies.
Rose Jones, a young carer, faced a repayment demand of 2,145 from the DWP after being misinformed about her earnings under the Kickstart scheme. Despite her role as a carer for her disabled mother since age eight, she felt abandoned and overwhelmed by the situation, especially after receiving conflicting advice from her jobcentre work coach. Guardian readers responded to her plight, funding over 3,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to alleviate her financial burden.
Emily Holzhausen from Carers UK expressed concern over the DWP's treatment of young carers like Rose Jones, stating it is devastating to witness their struggles without adequate support. She highlighted the impact of the DWP’s policies as particularly harmful towards those who are already facing significant life challenges. Holzhausen's comments reflect a broader criticism of the DWP’s practices, which have left many carers in dire financial situations.
Jones expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received, stating, 'I'm both overwhelmed by how much support it's had and really amazed that people feel that I was treated badly by the DWP.' She reflected on the emotional weight of her experience, noting how long she felt isolated. Jones intends to use the funds raised to clear her debt and contribute to Southampton Young Carers.
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