Death of DWP Claimant Highlights Deep Floors in The Governments Disability Strategy

Stephen Smith, 64 failed a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work capability assessment in 2017, which meant that his employment support allowance (ESA) payments were stopped. He was told to sign on to receive a £67 a week jobseeker’s allowance, visit the jobcentre once a week and prove that he was looking for work.

Mr Smith had multiple debilitating illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis and an enlarged prostate that left him in chronic pain. 

Pictures showed him emaciated in hospital with pneumonia as his weight dropped to six stone, leaving him barely able to walk.

Mr Smith never recovered from pneumonia and he reportedly has died.

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