A severely disabled woman who is largely confined to her bed has had her vital benefits suspended after being told by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that she is well enough to work.
A Life of Constant Struggle
Catherine Hawkins, a 50-year-old from Diglis in Worcester, suffers from a debilitating combination of Crohn's disease and neuropathy in her feet, leaving her barely able to walk. She relies on Universal Credit and carers who assist her with preparing food and cleaning, tasks she is physically incapable of managing alone.
Despite her profound physical limitations, Catherine was instructed to attend a DWP workshop where she felt intense "pressure" to seek employment. The department also requested her last three bank statements, which she insists she had already provided by downloading and sending them previously.
Fear of Homelessness and Despair
The suspension of her payments has plunged Catherine into a crisis, forcing her to contact a food bank because she has no money for groceries. She lives in fear of losing her home, a prospect that seems increasingly likely without her essential income.
"I'm afraid I'm going to end up being made homeless," Catherine said. "How can they expect me to work when I can't even walk? If I even tried to stand up, I would fall straight down."
She described her mental state as one of deep depression, feeling trapped in a relentless cycle of distress. "I just feel depressed - sick and tired of being sick and tired," she added.
Failed Communications and Further Threats
Catherine explained that she missed a scheduled workshop interview on December 15 because the DWP failed to call her as promised. Instead of resolving the misunderstanding, the department then threatened her with another mandatory appointment on January 15.
"I've said I can't attend a workshop interview. I'm completely disabled. I can't walk," Catherine stated. While she acknowledged the theoretical possibility of limited work from home, such as phone-based tasks, her physical condition makes almost all conventional employment impossible.
DWP Issues Apology and Reinstates Support
Following media inquiries, a DWP spokesperson issued an apology for the distress caused to Ms Hawkins. In a statement, the department said: “We apologise for any distress caused to Ms Hawkins as a result of the review into her case. We have lifted the suspension on her account.
“We are committed to improving processes to ensure vulnerable customers get the support they need.”
While the immediate suspension has been lifted, Catherine's case highlights ongoing concerns about the assessment process for disability benefits and the treatment of some of the most vulnerable individuals within the welfare system.
