Skip to main content
NEU job vacancy
The degradation and cruelty of constantly having to ‘prove’ you’re disabled
RUTH HUNT reminds us of the day-to-day fear that’s invading disabled people’s lives

THE announcement came through on April 23 that Stephen Smith, 64, had died. 

The story about Smith had first been broken by Liam Thorpe of the Liverpool Echo, back in February, when he had been found fit for work despite having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), osteoarthritis and an enlarged prostate.

When Smith became ill with pneumonia he was hospitalised. His weight dropped to a skeletal six stone. Due to his precarious health, he had to seek permission from the hospital to attend his appeal. In less than three months, he was dead.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
ELECTED TO PROTECT THE POOR: Work and Pensions Secretary Liz
Features / 2 April 2025
2 April 2025
Due to the actions of this government, the challenges facing those with disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, are nigh on insurmountable, argus RUTH HUNT
WE WANT TO WORK: Disability activists protest previous welfa
Features / 20 March 2025
20 March 2025
By making Personal Independence Payments harder to access, Labour is creating another barrier for those already struggling with soaring care costs, workplace discrimination and prejudiced employers, argues RUTH HUNT
Features / 21 December 2024
21 December 2024
Behind the Samaritans’ promise to always listen, callers face secret restrictions and automated blocks while the charity admits setting limits without clearly warning ‘frequent’ users they risk getting cut off — or why, writes RUTH HUNT
Features / 11 December 2024
11 December 2024
LOUISE RAW speaks to Long Covid sufferer Sam Williams and others who feel let down by a state that ignores their debilitating illness