2 June 2015

Freedom of information request reveals that 22 of the 49 peer reviews into deaths of claimants involved someone claiming employment and support allowance (ESA). 

What: In response to a freedom of information request from journalist Natalie Leal about the 49 peer review deaths, DWP says that, at the time of death, eight people were claiming jobseeker’s allowance, 22 were claiming ESA, one was claiming pension credit and five were not claiming benefit. In the other cases, it was not clear from the peer reviews which benefit was being claimed at the time of death.

Why significant: Further information about the claimants whose deaths were investigated by DWP, showing again how many deaths are linked to the work capability assessment system.