A 41-year-old Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) claimant warned welfare staff he would take his own life if his Universal Credit payments were reduced, and he was found dead less than a week later, an inquest has heard.
Andrew Halliday's Death
Andrew Halliday died by suicide after informing DWP call handlers of his intentions. He had struggled with mental health issues for many years, eventually leaving his job in telecommunications as a result.
Before his death, Mr. Halliday was told that his Universal Credit payments would be cut to just £37. He had repeatedly tried to find out why the reduction was applied.
Reason for Payment Reduction
According to the DWP, the reduction was due to back-pay from a former employer that Mr. Halliday received in October. This triggered the DWP's taper rules, which reduce payments by a certain amount for every pound earned above the work allowance threshold. The back-pay was taken into account for his January Universal Credit payment because HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) notified the DWP of the payment between the assessment periods.
Inquest Findings
At Northumberland Coroner's Court, Assistant Coroner Paul Dunn recorded a formal conclusion of suicide.
A relative told the inquest: "The loss of the benefits was the final blow. He made about £80,000 a year and had to take a break because of his mental health; he had never claimed benefits before."
The relative added: "He took sick leave and decided to leave his role to have some time to himself. The last paycheck in December affected the January benefits. They said that because he had received that money, they had to cut his January benefit. But that December payment had gone toward his December bills. He rented, but he still had bills to pay."
"He was not sanctioned, it was a reduced payment. He looked for a job, missed no appointments, and had interviews for positions with much lower salaries to ensure he was doing what he was supposed to do. He had not been off work for long, around three months. The family believes this led to his suicide. He was passed from pillar to post, it was a box-ticking exercise."
The relative continued: "We spoke on the day he died, he called me and I went around to see him but it was too late. I was with him and called the ambulance; he called me on the Sunday afternoon and he died that Sunday night. He was still conscious when I got there. But they had to switch off his life support."
"We felt there was no point in talking to the DWP. You just get passed around. No one will take any responsibility. There will be no accountability for it, he reached his last pay in December, which is why they made the decision."
In the report, Mr. Halliday is quoted as having said to a call handler: "Can I get any support or am I going to end up offing myself?"
DWP Response
A DWP spokesperson said: "Our condolences are with Mr. Halliday's loved ones, friends, and family."
