A response has been issued by the Department of Work and Pensions after an inquest found a decision to inform a mother her benefits were being cut had a "very significant" impact before she took her own life. Tamara Jade Logan ended her life after she received a letter from the DWP telling her the "enhanced daily living allowance" portion of her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) had been removed - a decision which an inquest heard was "incorrect".

Tamara, who had a history of mental illness, was found hanging on May 18, 2025. The make-up artist, from Glossop, was taken to hospital but died two days later at Tameside General Hospital. An inquest into her death found the impact of the DWP decision on her was 'very significant'.

The DWP has responded to Tamara's death following the inquest's findings that the decision to cut her PIP payments was 'incorrect' and that the method of communication was 'not appropriate given her known vulnerabilities'. When Tamara received the letter from the DWP, her mental health deteriorated further, it was found.

A DWP spokesperson said: "Our sincere condolences go to Ms Logan's family and friends. Protecting the millions of people we support every year is a priority. We take the Coroner's comments extremely seriously and will provide a full and detailed response."

The MEN reports the response comes following the prevention of future deaths report published by senior south Manchester coroner Alison Mutch, who wrote: "The decision to remove the enhanced payment has been accepted as an incorrect determination. The method used for communication of the decision was also not appropriate given her known vulnerabilities.

"Upon receipt of the letter from Department of Work and Pensions Tamara Jade Logan's mental health deteriorated further. On 18th May 2025 she was found suspended and taken to Tameside General Hospital where she died on 20th May 2025.

"On the balance of probabilities, the incorrect decision to withdraw her enhanced daily living allowance and the method of communication of the decision significantly contributed to her declining mental health and her actions on 18th May 2025 which led to her death on 20th May 2025."

Coroner Ms Mutch said Tamara was a 'vulnerable person with a history of self-harm and suicidal ideation', and had been previously assessed as being eligible for PIP, including the enhanced daily living allowance and the standard rate of mobility allowance.

The DWP was aware of her mental problems as her file at the Government department noted previous self-harm and suicidal ideation, the coroner said. She continued: "In 2025 her entitlement to PIP was reassessed and the enhanced daily living allowance was removed from her. She was notified by letter."

Under 'matters of concern', Ms Mutch wrote: "It was accepted that the assessment of her entitlement to benefits had been incorrectly determined despite it having been checked before the final decision was made. The impact of that on her was very significant.

"The evidence before the inquest was that the person carrying out the initial assessment carried out the assessment correctly and that the checking process had not picked up on the errors. The purpose of the check was to avoid these errors being made and it was unclear why it had not picked up the incorrect approach.

"It was clear from the evidence that her vulnerabilities were recognised by the Department of Work and Pensions and their paperwork was flagged to that effect. Despite that a standard letter was sent with no attempt to reduce the risk that receipt of the letter would cause."

The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide, with the medical cause of death 'hypoxic brain injury' caused by 'hanging'. The report has been sent to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions who has until March 19 to respond.

The DWP added in its response that safeguarding its customers is central to how it deliver its services. The Government department say they have already joined up its safeguarding approach, by introducing a Multi-Disciplinary Team, to ensure vulnerable people get the right support throughout their benefit journey, such as:

Introducing Vulnerable Customer Champions, Customer Experience and Advanced Support Teams (CEAST), and Advanced Customer Support Senior Leaders (ACSSLs) as specialised support and escalation routes for colleagues working with vulnerable customers.

Updated guidance on home visits, particularly when a customer asks for their Work Capability Assessment to be carried out at home, and when a customer's vulnerability may affect their ability to comply with DWP processes.

Processes in place to support and safeguard people who have complex needs or are vulnerable, and are committed to working with Safeguarding Adult Boards and other agencies to make sure people get the support they need.

The DWP added that it has launched The Timms Review - co-produced with disabled people and their representative organisations - to make sure PIP is fit and fair for the future.

Help and support

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org, write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide, see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk