An Irishman is still claiming disability benefits in the UK after winning over $16 million in the lottery.
Michael O'Shea, who grew up in Co. Kerry and resides in Nottingham, made headlines in October 2005 when he and his wife Jean won £10.2 million on the Euro Millions lotto jackpot.
Since becoming a millionaire overnight, the father of three has been paid almost $50,000 (£31,500) in disability benefits, the Daily Mail reports.
However the 72-year-old retired builder is doing nothing illegal, as the allowance is not means-tested.
"We've nothing to hide. I worked for 40 years and I'm entitled to it," O'Shea told The Sun newspaper.
When the lucky couple scooped the jackpot over six years ago, they told the media, "we'll never be any different, no matter how much money we have."
They remained true to their word and still occupy the three-bedroom ex-council house they were living in prior to their win. However, they did splash their cash in Ireland, where they built a 5-bedroom mansion in Co. Kerry. They allegedly opted not to reside there as disabilities allowances are means tested in Ireland.
As well as the generous £500-a-month ($794) disability living allowance, the wealthy couple are given a new car every three years under a mobility scheme for the disabled.
Now campaigners, MPs, and neighbors are criticizing O'Shea for continuing to take the cash.
One neighbor said: "I'm not the only person around here who thinks that multi-millionaires still claiming benefits is wrong. It may not be illegal, but is it morally right that they get benefits when they don't need them? They can afford a life of luxury and a fleet of cars — yet they are pinching every penny they can get from the taxpayer."
In response, the retired builder defended his acceptance of the state benefits.
"I worked for 40 years and I'm entitled to it. I've got osteoarthritis in my legs, and rheumatoid arthritis in my hands. We only really use the car to go to the shops."
Matthew Elliott of the TaxPayers' Alliance told the Daily Mail, "It's barmy that taxpayers are funding benefits and motors for a multi-millionaire".
He earn the money because he had worked for forty years for it. The lottery shouldn't even post this story because it clearly is not a factor. I worked hard, therefore; i'm entitle to my benefit
my husband is disabled, and yes, we get disability benefits. He had a massive stroke last april and is now partially paralyzed (at age 40). We do need them. We have 2 young chilren.
that being said, when we win the lotto, both of us will be MORE than happy to make a phone call and say 'KEEP IT- WE DON'T NEED IT!'
That will be a good day indeed!
While it may not be illegal to keep receiving the benefits, it IS selfish and yes, imho, immoral.
Yeah its ok for you to call to say keep it, but you don't have to be push by others to do it. The way the lottery posi it, its like they do something wrong,. the people earned their money
There is no foul play here. Michael O'shea paid his due's for forty years. He is entitled to these benefits end of story.
Others would say because of his lotto windfall, he should stop collecting........or even return the monetary benefits he had already received.
For those folks fine.......if it happens to you....... then you can give it all back with $$$ interest. You'll probably get a nice shiny trophy for your deed.
Otherwise do not judge the deserving gentlemen. Want to wine about something??? How about the greedy Wall Streeter's, Bernie Madoff, or any number of corrupt, Governors, Senators, or elected officials that continue to pollute our country?
Well said my man. You are exactly right. The man worked hard for forty years and there is no wrong doing in that.
It is his money and he is entitled to it no doubt. If I were him I would still donate it though or pass it on to a less fortunate family if for nothing else good karma.
Why thank you Lukep.
We gotta look out for these fine irish folk!
Well said.He earned the money and is entitled to it but giving it away to someone who truly needs it makes sense to me.
That will be my luck. Work hard you're whole life and finally hit it when i'm too old to enjoy it.
Then everyone is jealous because you're still getting a lousy 6 thousand that you're expected to live on.
I don't care what the socialists in Europe do but I would compare it to Social Security here.
I'm retired with an income and when I'm old enough to get Social Security I'm dam well gonna take it cuz I paid into it all of my working life and I'm not gonna let the government piss it away on studies to determine the "impact" of men washing their genitals in Africa. I couldn't care less if they do or don't. And if some lib perverts wanna go over there and watch them wash their genitals, let them pay for the trip themselves.
And I'm not going to demur taking my Social Security check just to preserve funds for others who may need it more than I do for one simple reason: The government stole the money, let them sacrifice to pay it back. Cut back on perverted studies for libs or something. The government promised us that they would never use that money for anything else and now it's gone. They lied. They stole it.
So screw 'em.
Amen.
Totally agree!
I will most likely keep my disability benefits, when I win. I am disabled because of the work that I did for 30+ years. I will need the medical coverage.
My "gifts" to charities will more than cover the cost of my staying on with my benefits.
I think it was okay to receive the additional Disability Benefits $$ over these past six years, after this moderately disabled man had received un-taxed, multi-millions from his jackpot win.
However, sometime this year, now that what he past contributed into the disability fund has been returned to him, it would be empowering and helpful if he could feel at peace/good about making the phone call to discontinue the un-needed monthly checks and use of the new or used vehicle [assuming that the funds were diverted to at least a moderately disabled legal citizen that did need the Disability Benefit $$).