A mum-of-four died cold and alone after her benefits were cut because she was too ill to attend an Employment Support Allowance meeting.
Elaine Morrall was found dead in her home wearing a coat and scarf, her family claimed. The 38-year-old had her benefits stopped because she failed to attend a meeting while she was in a hospital intensive care unit, they said.
Elaine, who suffered from an eating disorder and mental health problems, was found dead earlier this month in Runcorn, Cheshire.
Her family claims she wouldn’t put her heating on until her kids got home from school because of the cost.
Her grieving mother Linda Morrall blamed the Department of Work and Pensions for her untimely death.
A spokesperson for the DWP said: ‘Our thoughts are with Ms Morrall’s family at this difficult time.
‘We understand that people can’t always attend appointments, which is why we will re-arrange alternative times.
‘Assessment decisions are made with consideration of all the information provided, including supporting evidence from a GP or medical specialist.
‘Anyone who disagrees with a decision can appeal.’ Halton MP Derek Twigg, who is now working with the family, said:
‘It is a very tragic case and I am providing assistance to my constituent. ‘The family are grieving and request that they are given the privacy, time and space they need at this time.’
The roll-out of Universal Credit has been harshly criticised by a number of MPs, including Labour’s Laura Pidcock and the SNP’s Mhairi Black.