[Taf]

As Carers of our own handicapped twins (now young adults), My wife and I are very, very grateful for the Benefits we receive to allow us to continue our roles.

We aren't rolling in money, but make do and pay our bills. A short period of respite would be a nice gesture, but it has never happened in over 21 years, so we're not holding our breath.

I have often received verbal bashings from both working and unemployed people, thinking that being a full time Carer is somehow a "skive" or a "cushy life". Sadly, or poignantly, several have had to become Carers for members of their own family, and now see us in a totally different light.

I suppose it would be the same with workers who slag off unemployed people, then become one themselves.

Despite the REAL inflation rates, I reckon many in our position would have accepted a 0% rise in benefits if it meant getting this country out of the mess it's in financially.

But looking at IDS's future plans for the "less" disabled, I fear we may be in for a rough ride ahead when the axe falls soon with PIP coming in to replace DLA. The ATOS assessments were hell enough, but I think IDS has further nasty surprises for us at the bottom of the pile.