‘We’re already vulnerable’: the carers told to repay huge sums by the DWP

Vivienne Groom and her partner, Geoff. Vivienne was subject to court action to seize a £16,000 inheritance given to her by her mother, who she cared for. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been accused of forcing tens of thousands of unpaid carers to pay back huge sums – and sometimes chasing fraud prosecutions – over “honest mistakes” that could have been spotted years earlier.

The Guardian has spoken to many such affected people. Here are their stories.