Single Mothers On Welfare Feel 'Bullied' By Inspectors

Irish Examiner ✈ Single mums claiming social welfare are often made to feel "intimidated and bullied" by inspectors.

Aoife Moore

The Irish Examiner spoke to a number of women who say unannounced visits to their homes while on lone-parent payments made them feel "worthless".

They claim they were told that if they entered a relationship they would lose the payment, and said inspectors would visit their homes unannounced, opening wardrobes looking for men's clothes, and questioning them about cars parked outside.

Niamh, from Cork, told the Irish Examiner:

It was degrading. One fella used to park outside my house before the school run and follow me to the school, and in the evening if I went out to get coal or anything he'd be there too. I was so scared. I was out in the country on my own with three kids.

Continue reading @ Irish Examiner.