Barbara Skedd, a 74-year-old woman from Ibstock in Leicestershire, was left in absolute horror when she opened a letter addressed to her executors offering them condolences on her death.
The letter, dated 21 May, was from North West Leicestershire District Council, updating its council tax records following the family's 'recent bereavement'. However, due to her reported 'death', Skedd's benefits stopped, including her Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), pension, and pension credit.
According to Skedd, the mix-up had taken its toll, adding, 'Now, I'm just broken. It's been very stressful. I don't think I've ever been this low in my life before. I've absolutely hit rock bottom.'
The council said the letter was standard procedure after being informed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a person's death. The DWP has apologised for the 'administrative error' and said payments had now been reinstated.
Skedd finally received her monthly PIP and IIDB this week, almost two weeks overdue. She has now been told her fortnightly state pension will arrive on Monday, six weeks since her last payment, and will now be paid monthly.