TWO WOMEN IN GREATER MANCHESTER WERE HOUNDED BY THE DWP OVER SUPPOSED DEBTS WHICH LED TO THEM LOSING THEIR HOUSING BENEFIT AND WERE THREATENED WITH LOSING THEIR HOMES 09:04, 19 May 2025 A

mother of four, found dead at her home at the age of 46, was 'driven to the brink of despair' by the benefits system. A hopeful nurse who was also wrongly pursued for over £1,000,

tragically ended her own life at just 31. These are two lives tragically cut short in Greater Manchester. Both their families and two coroners agree that these women were tormented over

benefits, according to the MEN. Both women were hounded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) over alleged debts amounting to hundreds and thousands, which later proved to be

universal credit. The protesters issued a stark warning: People have died due to benefit cuts, and it will happen again. Article continues below "People who say being on benefits is a

lifestyle choice are taking the Mickey. These cuts will increase the suicide rate among disabled people," protester Dr Dylan Murphy, 56, told the Manchester Evening News.

"It's causing immense stress and fear to people terrified they are going to lose their lifeline." The Manchester Evening News has reported on at least two fatalities in recent

years, both linked to grave errors by the DWP. Both individuals were pursued for debts that the government body claimed they owed, only for these claims to be utterly debunked. Kristie Hunt

tragically took her own life at the age of 31 following an overdose in November 2023. Known as 'Krissi' to her loved ones, Kristie was a resident of Swinburne Green in Stockport

and a recipient of disability benefits. Her family remembers her as a vibrant young woman with a caring nature and aspirations of becoming a nurse. She had been diagnosed with several mental

health conditions and had a history of substance misuse and self-harm. Kristie was receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). After a hiatus

of 13 years, she re-entered the workforce. However, when Kristie informed the DWP about her new job, her call went unrecorded. This led to an investigation by the counter-fraud team, a

wrongful penalty charge, and demands to repay ESA funds incorrectly deemed as overpayment by the DWP. The inquest also heard that the DWP sent erroneous information to Stockport Council,

resulting in the local authority mistakenly informing Kristie that she owed over £800 in housing benefit. This meant that both the DWP and the local council were erroneously pursuing Kristie

for more than £1,000 for several months, right up until a few weeks before her untimely death. The coroner's report on Kristie Ann Hunt's tragic overdose stated: "At the time

of taking the overdose there were a number of factors which on the day, or in the preceding days/weeks, likely impacted adversely on Kristie Ann Hunt's state of mind and likely

contributed to her actions,". Leigh Day commented on the matter, saying: "During Kristie's final call with the department about her ESA claim on 30 October 2023, she was noted

to be confused and tearful throughout, yet she was not even asked whether she was okay." Kristie's stepdad, Colin Barrow, shared his thoughts: "Knowing Krissi, she would have

felt the pressures of the DWP reported debts. Even with the positive aspects of her new job she would have been in a panic." He added: "She would have thought her flat would be in

jeopardy. But she continued with her new job and looking positive. All the stresses she experienced close to her death would have been too much for her and she would have put on a brave

face that she wanted people to see especially at work." In a similar heartbreaking case, the family of Karen McBride, a mother of four, revealed she endured comparable struggles before

being discovered deceased at her residence at the age of 46 in August 2022. During the 2023 inquest into Karen's passing, her family spoke of 'erroneous debt' and persistent

problems with 'housing benefit right from the beginning'. The inquest heard that Karen had received a letter from Tameside Council in March 2022, informing her of the suspension of

her housing benefit. She also got a letter from her housing association about rent arrears, as her rent was covered by the housing benefit. The 'apparent issue' was her son

turning 19, which seemingly affected her entitlement to housing benefit. Karen's daughter, Codie, stated that the debt was 'pursued for many months' with letters persisting,

but it turned out to be a mistake. "We now know that the housing benefit should never have been stopped, as regardless of my brother's age, mum was in receipt of Personal

Independence Payment (PIP) which means her housing benefit entitlement would remain the same. "She was desperately overwhelmed. She was spiralling into a dark place and whenever she

rang to find out what was happening and asked about the letters she had received she would be told they were just automated and she should just ignore them. For mum, this was much easier

said than done." Karen Milner, from Tameside Council's council tax team, explained that the Department for Work and Pensions had informed the council about a

'non-dependent' living at the house, but the council's records indicated 'dependent'. That's why, she said, payments to Karen were suspended. Ms Milner stated

that information was processed based on the details the council had and denied any error on the council's part. Karen had been on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) since 2016,

which was meant to continue until July 2023, the inquest was told – but a communication mishap led the council to believe her PIP had ended in February 2020. The coroner at the inquest shed

light on the 'complexities of navigating the benefits system', noting Karen's evidence indicated 'frustration to the point of desperation'. However, he concluded

that it couldn't be expected for 'the state' to foresee a risk to her life. A spokesperson from the DWP expressed their deepest sympathies: "Our sincerest condolences are

with the family and friends of Ms Hunt and Ms McBride in these tragic cases." Article continues below They stressed the department's commitment: "Our aim is always to provide

the best possible support to those who need it, ensuring they can access the appropriate services." _FOR THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND STORIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE FROM THE DAILY STAR,

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