The Guardian has reported that a 67 year old woman was sent a letter on the day her life support was switched off, informing her that she was no longer ill enough to be eligible for attendance allowance.{jcomments on}
Dawn Amos had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a result of her breathing difficulties she was unable to leave the house or use the stairs and took three hours to get ready on a morning.
She had been in receipt of attendance allowance for six months when it was reviewed by the DWP and her award was ended.
On the same day that the DWP letter was received, although it was not opened until two days later, Dawn Amos collapsed and ceased breathing. She was taken to hospital where the decision was subsequently made to turn off her life support.
The news comes as the DWP is about to launch a consultation on abolishing attendance allowance altogether for new claims.
You can read the full story in the Guardian.