OLD Disabled Man Dies in Poverty after DWP removes His Benefits: A disabled man named David was found dead in shocking and dirty conditions in his Salisbury flat, just weeks after the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) wrongly stopped his disability benefit. His death has raised serious concerns about how vulnerable people are treated by the system, especially when they are unwell and unable to keep up with paperwork.
David, who was 59, had many health issues and lived alone. His only close family member, his sister Susan*, believes he may have died because he couldn’t get help in time. He had no working mobility scooter, no money to top up his phone, and no one nearby to assist him.
What Happened to David?
David had several serious health conditions including ME, fibromyalgia, and diverticulitis. These made it very hard for him to move, think clearly, and control his bowels. He depended on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for his basic needs, like a clean mattress, incontinence pads, and transport.
But in early January, his PIP was stopped because he didn’t return a form sent by DWP. Susan believes he was simply too ill to fill it out or post it. She said he could barely walk to his gate, let alone to a postbox. A later letter from DWP reinstated his PIP, but it arrived two weeks after he had already died.
A Tragic End in Terrible Conditions
David was found dead in his home in mid-February, after Susan became worried when he stopped replying to her messages. The flat was in a terrible state—covered in blood and faeces—and David had left behind a handwritten note describing how he had fallen eight times that year and was losing a cup of blood every day.
He was out of incontinence pads, had no money to fix his scooter, and likely had no credit on his phone to call for help. Susan believes that DWP’s decision to cut off his PIP directly contributed to his death by trapping him in isolation and poverty.
No Safeguards for the Vulnerable
Susan is angry that DWP did not check on David’s wellbeing before removing his benefits. She says his death shows how dangerous the system is for people who are too sick to fight for their rights.
She warned that upcoming plans to cut £4.5 billion from PIP could lead to many more deaths if people like her brother are left without support.
She said, “Taking away the little they have could push them over the edge.”
Calls for Accountability and Change
The case is not the first. There have been several other deaths linked to DWP decisions in the past decade, including Philippa Day, Jodey Whiting, and Errol Graham. Campaigners are now demanding a public inquiry into how DWP decisions are impacting disabled people.
Caroline Collier from Inclusion Barnet’s Campaign for Disability Justice said David’s story is “heartbreaking” and reflects a “systemic failure” in how disabled people are treated in the UK. She stressed the need for a full inquest to investigate what went wrong and for a serious rethink of planned benefit cuts.
A System in Crisis
Susan says her brother’s death must not be ignored. She believes the benefits system is inhuman, and if it continues like this, more vulnerable people will be left to die in poverty and despair.
She added, “My brother’s death is not just a personal loss; it shows how broken the system really is.”
The DWP has so far refused to comment or answer questions about David’s case.
David’s death is a painful reminder of how dangerous it can be for vulnerable disabled people when their support is suddenly taken away. When health, mobility, and finances all break down, they can be left with no way to reach out for help. As the UK government plans deep cuts to disability benefits, many are now asking how many more lives will be lost before real changes are made. There is growing pressure on the DWP to take responsibility, stop the cuts, and rebuild a system that truly protects those in need.
FAQ
Q1: Why was David’s PIP stopped?
David’s PIP was stopped because he didn’t return a form required by DWP, likely due to his poor health and mobility issues.
Q2: Was his PIP ever reinstated?
Yes, it was reinstated by DWP, but the letter confirming this came two weeks after David had already died.
Q3: What conditions did David suffer from?
He had ME, fibromyalgia, and diverticulitis, which caused constant fatigue, incontinence, and severe pain.
Q4: Could his death have been prevented?
His sister believes that if DWP had made proper checks before removing his benefits, he might still be alive.
Q5: Why is this case important?
It highlights serious problems in the UK’s disability support system, especially as more PIP cuts are planned.
Q6: What are campaigners demanding now?
They want a public inquiry into benefit-related deaths and a stop to further cuts to PIP and other disability support.
