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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Archie Mitchell and Albert Toth

Scandal of the sick: Ill and disabled benefit claimants die waiting for vital payments

More than 1,000 sick and disabled benefit claimants died while waiting to receive vital payments last year, The Independent can reveal, laying bare the crisis in the welfare system.

Department for Work and Pensions figures show that between November 2023 and October 2024, 900,000 people applied for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits – the main support for those with an illness, disability or mental health condition.

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