UK man who was told to look for work despite 'appalling' physical condition dies

Stephen Smith.
Stephen Smith. Photo credit: Liverpool Echo

A UK man who was denied benefits despite not being physically able to work has died.

Liverpool man Stephen Smith died on Monday (local time) after battling many serious health issues, The Liverpool Echo reports.

Friends confirmed the death to the Echo on Monday saying he was "a good soul of the earth".

"He would do anything for anyone," one friend said.

Late last year, the UK Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) reportedly declined him of benefits after it assessed whether he was fit to work.

Images then emerged of the emaciated 64-year-old after he was admitted to hospital with pneumonia.

As his health deteriorated, Smith didn't know where to look.

"I could only make it to the kitchen to make food once a day," he earlier told the Echo.

"I had no muscles in the back of my leg which meant I couldn't stand up at all - and had to lean or sit down all the time - but they were telling me I was fit for work."

His case was then successfully appealed prompting an apology from the DWP.

A DWP spokesman told the Echo it was "committed to ensure people with health conditions get the support they're entitled to".

The Echo says it understands Smith's funeral will be held on Friday (local time).

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