The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has sparked distress among claimants after wrongly notifying individuals and local councils that they had died. This shocking administrative mistake led to the suspension of key benefit payments, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Pension Credit, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), and state pensions.
Barbara Skedd, a claimant from North West Leicestershire, shared her ordeal with the BBC, expressing that she was left in “absolute horror” when she received a letter confirming her supposed death. The DWP had mistakenly informed the North West Leicestershire District Council of her death, prompting the council to halt her payments and send a condolence letter.
“The moment everything stopped, I couldn’t buy food or put petrol in my car. I couldn’t even go to my weekly bingo, which is the only outing I have,” Skedd explained. She described the experience as deeply stressful, saying, “I’ve absolutely hit rock bottom. It’s the lowest I’ve ever felt.”
READ MORE: Birmingham Food and Drink News Round-Up: New Favorites, Closures, and Pub Highlights
READ MORE: I Ditched My Curling Wand for Heated Rollers—Now 45% Off in Final Hours of Prime Day
In response, the North West Leicestershire District Council acknowledged the error, stating, “We are aware of an isolated incident where a resident was incorrectly reported deceased by the DWP. This caused us to suspend benefits and send condolences erroneously. We have contacted Mrs. Skedd to apologise and offer further support, reinstated all council-controlled payments, and put council tax demands on hold during resolution.”
A DWP spokesperson issued a formal apology to Mrs. Skedd for the distress caused by this “administrative error.” The department has reinstated all her payments, including any arrears, and is conducting a thorough investigation to determine how this mistake happened.
This incident highlights serious concerns about administrative accuracy and the profound impact such errors can have on vulnerable individuals reliant on essential benefits.