Taxi-driver Sean Crick, who had life-saving heart surgery in February, was told he could only claim welfare on a loan basis and any money he was given would have to be paid back – because he had a mortgage on a house.
Mr Crick, of Poonah Road, had his social security payments cut when a change in law meant he could no longer claim for his wife, who is unable to work through ill-health.
He tried to claim a welfare grant but was refused.
Mr Crick had a choice between risking his health by returning to work early – or being taken to court for unpaid bills.
But after reading about Mr Crick’s predicament in the JEP, Francis Le Gresley of the Citizens Advice Bureau investigated the situation.
He discovered that St Helier was the only parish that absolutely refused to provide welfare for home owners.
However, Mr Crick was contacted by the director of welfare for St Helier, Ian St George, after his story appeared in the JEP.
He is now being paid a £40 a week welfare grant – which is the same sum he lost when he was told he could no longer claim social security for his wife.
