A desperate single mum today claimed bungling benefits bosses had plunged her young family into poverty.

Joanne Clough was horrified to receive a letter from the Benefits Agency demanding more than £5,000 which had been overpaid to her.

Miss Clough, 26 - who now faces bringing up her two children on £83 a week, including child benefit - said she had made her claim in good faith and blamed her huge debt on an administrative blunder.

Miss Clough, 26, of Tyersal Lane, Tyersal, Bradford, said the cash related to an industrial accident she suffered as a 16-year-old machinist in 1989.

"Because I largely lost the use of my thumb the Department of Social Security began paying me £17 a week which compensated for my loss of earnings."

After months out of work, during which she attended Government-approved training programmes, Miss Clough joined a packaging firm until 1993.

"I then became pregnant and went on to Income Support so I could look after my child.

"I was given a form to fill in at the time which listed a number of benefits and asked if I received any of them. My own payment - Industrial Injuries Disable-ment Benefit - was not included."

Miss Clough said the Benefits Agency must have been well aware she received the extra cash because it paid it and a representative had been present at injury board hearing.

"I have never tried to keep anything from them. I just trusted them to give me the correct money as most people would," she said. "I am not a scrounger and I don't want to rely on benefits."

Determined to become a youth social worker, Miss Clough became a volunteer support worker and special constable to gain the required experience.

"I have also applied to foster but this debt will mean I cannot afford to do it. I am absolutely desperate. I just don't know where to turn. If it wasn't for my father bringing me meals three times a week then I would not be able to survive.

"I don't know where the poverty line is but I am sure I am well below it."

Miss Clough, who has daughters Shannel, 6, and Shelby, 2, said the debt also prevented her from starting work because she would need more money to cover her rent.

A BA spokesman said, although he could not comment on the case, extra payments could mean claimants receiving less Income Support.

The Leeds-based Independent Tribunal Service was unavailable for comment.

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