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DWP tells Manchester mum to seek work after 33 years caring for disabled daughter

Following the abrupt end of her carer’s allowance after her daughter’s death, the 54-year-old faces homelessness without qualifications or work history

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Overview

  • The DWP ended Hailwood’s Carer’s Allowance weeks after her daughter Stacey’s death in 2023 and directed her to apply for universal credit and jobseeker’s allowance
  • Having no formal work history or recent qualifications and suffering chronic back and hip injuries from decades of lifting Stacey, the 54-year-old cannot realistically meet jobseeker requirements
  • Unable to cover utility bills on her Cheadle bungalow, Hailwood has sold the property and expects to become homeless once the sale completes
  • After three decades of at-home caregiving that she says saved the NHS thousands of pounds, Hailwood’s mental health has deteriorated to the point she has contemplated taking her own life
  • Campaigners argue the DWP’s policy of cutting carers’ support immediately after a cared-for person’s death leaves bereaved carers without essential financial or emotional assistance