DWP is facing investigation following the suicide of 42-year-old mum of nine – by Kitty Jones
Jodey Whiting’s mother, Joy, with Jodey’s daughter Emma Bell (Image: Ian McIntyre)
Article by Kitty Jones, please visit her blog and donate to her if you can. Great content
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is facing a legal investigation after a mother of nine took her own life “because the DWP stopped her benefits”.
Jodey Whiting, who suffered several disabling medical conditions, ended her own life in February 2017, shortly after the DWP stopped her disability support payments. The payments stopped because was claimed by the DWP that Jodey failed to attend a work capability assessment (WCA).
However, her family claims that she never received the appointment letter and is blaming the Government for her suicide.
The 42-year-old grandmother was diagnosed with a brain cyst and curvature of the spine and could barely walk to her own front door, but an inquest has heard that despite her disabilities, Jodey Whiting faced a distressing battle with the DWP for lifeline benefits.
Supported by volunteers from the Citizens Advice Bureau, Jodey appealed the DWP decision to end her claim, but was told that due to a backlog in appeals it could take up to sixteen months before her case was reviewed.
Her mother, Joy Dove, who assisted her daughter in claiming the lifeline support she was entitled to, has taken up the battle with the DWP following her daughter’s death. She told Gazette Live:
“To have to wait another 16 months is devastating, but we can’t do anything about the fact there are so many cases that need investigating.:
“To have to wait another 16 months is devastating, but we can’t do anything about the fact there are so many cases that need investigating.
She told Gazette Live:
“To have to wait another 16 months is devastating, but we can’t do anything about the fact there are so many cases that need investigating.:
“To have to wait another 16 months is devastating, but we can’t do anything about the fact there are so many cases that need investigating.
“I’m glad they’ve taken the case on. We will always fight for justice for my daughter.
“She has kids and grandchildren left without a mum, and I’ve been left without a daughter. I want to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
The case will now be investigated by an Independent Case Examiner (ICE), who will look at the circumstances surrounding Jodey’s death and whether the DWP’s decision to stop her benefits affected her mental state at the time of Jodey’s suicide.
This is an original Article by Kitty Jones, please click to visit her blog for more fantastic content. Donate to help independent journalism like hers.
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Hey, this is my article, and you need to credit me for the work. Thanks
Sorry I updated a lot of things last night. I’ve credited you in the title and begining and end of article and ask people to visit and donate.
Apologies.
Thanks, now I feel bad for kicking off!. But I am disabled and ill, put a lot of work in, just like you. Many thanks x
It’s totally ok. I had to rebuild some posts and I put the whole thing again. I cut out half as I had before and put a continue reading. I do everything on my phone so I get a bit mixed up sometimes. I’m so sorry.
No worries, I’m very glad it’s sorted now. x
There’s something for you as well
Thank you very much Alex. That is very kind and decent of you. x