I learned today that in 'The Sun' yesterday, Doug who won £75 000 has become far worse off since being on the show, and has had all his benefits taken away. Also there was something about 'giving away' £60 000, which I think is a load of plop. Poor guy anyway, if that was the case...
(Sorry is this has already been brought up)

This must be the story from Thursday's Sun:

A DEAL Or No Deal winner is moaning his benefits have been stopped — after he pocketed £75,000 on the gameshow.

Retired trucker Doug May, 76, claims he is WORSE off than before he went on the hit TV show.

He says he cannot pay his bills now his £140-a-week handouts in council tax relief and income support have been axed.

He added: “I’ve been left absolutely penniless. I wish I hadn’t put myself forward for the show — it wasn’t worth it.”

Widower Doug, from Newquay, Cornwall, bought a Renault Clio car and cleared his debts after landing the huge prize on Noel Edmonds’ Channel 4 hit.

He claimed he gave the remaining £60,000 to his four children and 12 grandkids.

Doug said: “As soon as the show had been on TV, these social workers came to my house in flashy cars and they wanted to take money off me.

“I told them I’ve got no money left but they say I’ll have to reapply for benefits. It could take months. I have no idea how I’m going to pay the bills. I can’t believe something that made me so happy has ruined my life.”

Doug, registered as disabled because he has limited use of his arms, applied to appear on the show last year.

He was treated to five-star hotel accommodation during filming and appeared on 18 shows until he sat in the hot seat in January.

Anyone with £21,000 in savings does not qualify for council tax relief or income support for social care.

Cornwall County Council said: “If someone’s financial situation has changed then they are free to reapply to the council for funding.”

Would you believe for a guy who played only earlier this month and won quite a large amount (March 15) I can't remember him at all? Proof if any was needed that I've really stopped caring about the show over the past few months and can barely recall any recent contestants at all.

This time last year 50 shows Lucy had just played her game. It has all been downhill since ...

tbh, I don't see why people should carry on getting benefits if they come into money. It's our taxes that pay for it after all.

Agreed, why should us taxpayers have to pay for someone who already has £75,000 in savings? Yes, he gave it away, but that's how the system works.

However, I wish it didn't take so long to claim for benefits again.

You can't remember old Doug?

I'm not sure I quite understand his story: He wins £75,000 has to pay some tax, then is suddenly worse off than before!?

He won £75,000 while on the benefits system, so the council picked up on this straight away and cancelled his benefits leaving him with the £75,000 he won on DOND but no benefits. However, he spent £15,000 on a new car and gave the remaining £60,000 to his kids / grandchildren before they cancelled his benefits, therefore leaving him with no money and no benefits.

ouch.

I have zero sympathy for him. I work very hard and pay tax and I do not do that to subsidise people who grab £75k tax free and then continue to hold out the begging bowl.

That might be considered a tad bit harsh due to his apparent heart attack, but I see your point.

I feel sorry for any illness or condition or disability he has.

But if he wins £75k tax-free then he should stop holding out the begging bowl. He seems to have said: "There you go, grandkids, have all this money. Don't worry about me, the taxpayer will continue to pay for me."

There are people who need benefits. A man who wins £75k tax-free does not need benefits.

I am glad he got caught.

His show is on More 4 at this very moment...

He was a sick guy, though looked to me like he has emphysema, but to be honest if I'd won 75K I wouldn't expect handouts to be honest, but then I wouldn't have given it away either.

I think he gave the £60 000 to his family, which doesn't really seem like a loss anyway...

...And he spent £15,000 on a new car.

One of those times It was so very important to go on to the end. He could still have £25,000 assuming he gave the same £60,000 away, and bought the same car.

I agree. I pay enough in taxes as it is. Why should I subsidise somebody who has won £75,000. Why should he need benefits with £75,000 in the bank ? Giving money away is a well known dodge to avoid paying taxes and keep receiving benefits etc so he won't get away with that in a milllion years.

Plus he will still get his basic old age pension irrespective of how much he has in the bank. Its not means tested. So he's hardly fallen on hard times.

All a lot of hot air if you ask me. Grand old man trying to pull a fast one I feel.

I agree, Basicasic.

There is another thread about this. Brace yourself for some bizarre opinions on it http://www.dond.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8388

Just read it. I sometimes wonder if I'm on the same planet as some people !

I know, I keep thinking that other thread will turn out to be some bizarre dream I've had. Some of the views on it are shockers!