How disabled do I have to be?

A DISABLED woman says she has been repeatedly turned down for benefits - even though her husband has had to give up his job to be her full-time carer.

Mum-of-five Samantha Sindall, 33, has lived for 22 years with a condition called chronic fibromyalgia osteoporosis.

She has been dependent on her husband Gary, 40, since her illness resulted in her having a hysterectomy in February.

Although Mr Sindall, a carpenter for R. G. Phillips and Son, has had to temporarily give up his job, the couple do not qualify for additional attendance and invalid care allowances.

A Social Security spokesman said the department's determining officers acted on advice given by their medical adviser.

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