A person receiving benefits passed away shortly after notifying government call handlers that he intended to take his own life due to a significant drop in his Universal Credit payment to £37 for a month. Andrew Halliday, 41, who had faced mental health challenges for years and had to quit his well-paying telecoms job, tragically died on January 6, 2025. Despite his struggles, he had actively sought employment and even applied for a job interview in the days leading up to his death.
Before his passing, Halliday expressed concerns about potential homelessness after his January payment was reduced to £37.50. The coroner’s inquest, held at Northumberland Coroners’ Court, confirmed his death as a suicide. Reports from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff and medical professionals, including Dr. Barbara Salas Revuelta, shed light on Halliday’s situation before his demise.
The DWP investigated the circumstances surrounding Halliday’s death, with a detailed report revealing that the reduction in his Universal Credit payment had significantly impacted his mental health. Despite attempts to clarify the payment reduction, Halliday was informed that it was due to a previous back pay received in October 2024, which he had used to settle debts.
Family members emphasized that Halliday, who had never claimed benefits before, had resorted to seeking financial support only three months before his death. They highlighted that the loss of benefits, particularly after a high-paying job, had a profound effect on his well-being and contributed to his decision to end his life.
The family also expressed frustration with the lack of support from the DWP, stating that Halliday’s financial struggles following the December payment played a significant role in his untimely death. Despite his efforts to comply with job-seeking requirements, attend appointments, and even consider lower-paying positions, the financial strain and bureaucratic processes ultimately led to his tragic end.
In the aftermath of the inquest, a DWP spokesperson extended condolences to Halliday’s loved ones. The DWP clarified that claimants undergo an “earnings taper” process, reducing benefits based on any additional income received. The inquest concluded that Halliday’s death was a deliberate act, with evidence pointing to his intentional overdose as the cause.