Lotto winner who blew £80k jackpot in two months desperate to get back on benefits

A man who squandered his £80,000 lottery win in just two months is now desperate to return to benefits - but there's a snag.

Daniel Millar, a disabled grandfather, won the jackpot in September 2017, but claims the win turned into a nightmare after his benefits were halted because he "didn't know" he had to declare the winnings.

Daniel, who previously worked in security and suffers from long-term health issues, spent the money over several weeks on a cruise, holidays, home renovations and gifts for family, friends, and neighbours.

READ MORE - Raging Scottish couple discover their health records were shared on the 'dark web'

READ MORE - Edinburgh beauty queen had seizure at school that led to life-changing diagnosis

However, when the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) discovered the prize, they stopped his payments and benefits, stating that he no longer qualified for housing benefit, income tax, council tax reduction or any other means-tested handouts. Daniel, whose wife Bridget, 63, is his full-time carer, claims he is now living in poverty as he no longer qualifies for income support, housing benefit, a council tax reduction or any other means-tested handouts.

In 2018, he revealed to the Daily Record his unawareness of having to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and also spoke about living in destitution. After the cuts, Millar received mere £1.08 as weekly pension, and his Personal Independence Payment was reduced to £350 per month.

He expressed his troubles, saying: "It's a nightmare. I don't know what I can do and I don't where to turn to. I didn't know I had to tell the Department for Work and Pensions, so I spent it all by giving it to my two sons and my daughter, paid two family holidays, did up my house and bought clothes for me and my wife," reports the Mirror.

He explained how he soon fell into financial struggles: "The money was all spent by November. In December, I got a letter from the DWP saying I had to go to an appointment. They then told me I had been reported by the tax office for having £80,000 in my bank. That was true in September but not when I went for the interview. I was £7 overdrawn. Now they have stopped my benefit."

He echoed on the bleak reality of his situation, stating: "The only income I have is my personal independence payment of £350 per month and a pension of £1.08 per week. I have to pay full rent and council tax so we have little left to live on. My wife, who is my carer, gets £62 a week. She has to put that aside to pay other bills like gas, electric and phone."

Bridget, his wife, voiced her dismay at their predicament, echoing that they were "being punished for having a bit of luck" adding further, "The DWP have said we aren't entitled to any money. They say that we have deprived ourselves of capital and don't qualify for the benefits. We just don't know what we will do."