Overview
- Andrew Halliday, 41, was found to have died by suicide, with the Northumberland inquest in May 2026 concluding he intentionally overdosed on January 6, 2025.
- His January Universal Credit dropped to about £37.50 after HMRC logged an October 2024 backpay within the December assessment period, which rules treat as income that reduces the award.
- A DWP investigation entered into evidence said the payment was handled correctly under Universal Credit rules and that a challenge would likely have failed.
- Days before his death, he told DWP call-handlers he might kill himself and an ambulance was sent, with the inquest hearing that a six-point safeguarding plan was followed.
- Medical evidence cited long‑standing anxiety and depression with the reduced payment and fear of homelessness acting as triggers, while relatives said the cut was the final blow after he left a well‑paid telecoms job.