A family who hit the £3.
75million jackpot on a gambling site is still claiming monthly benefits.
Thomas Roche, a father-of-eight, won millions but has infuriated friends who said the family still claims up to £3,000 a month in benefits.
Thomas and his 30-year-old wife, Shelley, are still entitled to child benefit, child tax credits, as well as disability living allowance.
Since he won, Thomas has purchased five cars for his relatives and a bike. They are also moving to a six-bedroom pad near Kent.
But one of his friends said: “It’s a millionaire on benefits. It’s rubbing people up the wrong way. It’s all right for some but they shouldn’t be allowed to keep their benefits. He’s had the ultimate reward for sitting around and not working.”
The couple said they informed authorities about their win.
Thomas played at Bet365’s Reel King Slot when he hit the jackpot.
“It came in as a bonus. At first it said we were only going to get £16, and then I went to the toilet and came back and it was rolling in slowly as the jackpot – it said ‘Jackpot King’,” he shared.
After receiving his winnings, he contacted HMRC to avoid getting problems. “They said we didn’t have to worry because it’s tax-free cash. The only thing we’ll lose is income support, but we still get to keep childcare stuff.”
Thomas said their 12-year-old son has ADHB, their 10-year-old daughter has autism, and 8-year-old son has a hyperactive disorder.
Their children, who are on Disability Living Allowance, are also entitled to an additional £600.
Shelly insisted the benefits are only for their children. “I tried to stop it, but they said it’s for your children. They said you don’t have to stop child tax credit because it’s for the children.
“It’s not an income for me and Dad – income support is for me and him. My housing benefit has stopped. We’re doing everything right and above board.”
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Replaced!