DWP sent me a letter saying my dead dad was getting £600 winter fuel payment
A WOMAN was stunned when the DWP wrote her a letter to say her dead dad was getting a winter fuel payment of £600.
Zara Rayson got the letter expressing sympathy for the death of her dad Barry in October but went on to say the money was still going to be paid in three weeks time.
The office manager was left “totally confused” - especially as his bank account is due to be closed this week.
But it has emerged pensioners that have died have been paid an allowance for their winter fuel because of a bizarre government loophole.
The DWP calculates each year’s payment based on a “qualifying week” in September.
It does not withdraw the offer if the claimant dies before the money is paid out, as in Barry’s case.
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Zara, 58, said she wants the DWP to give the fuel allowance to a struggling family instead.
Zara, of Stroud, Gloucs, told The Sun: “No wonder the country is in such a mess.
“It’s come as such a surprise. How are they giving dead people payments of £600?
“I cannot believe it. It’s just a mess. People are on the breadline but they’re sending out these payments to people who are no longer alive.
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“It’s not as if they thought he was alive still, in the letter they express sympathy for his death. It’s a real shock.”
Barry died aged 89 on October 25.
In the letter, the DWP wrote: “Dear Zara Rayson, We are sorry to learn of the death of Barry Lendon.
“The Winter Fuel Payment that is due to Barry Lendon for winter 2022/2023 is £600.
“We will send this payment within the next three weeks.”
Anyone who was above the age of 66 in September this year is eligible for a payment, unless they have been in hospital receiving free treatment for more than a year or were in prison during the qualifying period.
The DWP has been approached for comment.