Grieving Mother Told To Return Benefits Paid To Dead Son

A mother was left in shock when the Department for Work and Pensions requested that she returned back benefits paid to her son days after he had committed suicide.

The Mirror reports:

A mum is “disgusted” after the Department for Work and Pensions demanded she refunded benefits paid to her son in the days following his suicide.

Chae Degaetano, 21, was found dead by a dog walker on April 15 near the family home in Barry, Wales.

But just two months after he took his life, his grieving mum Rachel received a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions stating that £41.36 had been incorrectly paid into Chae’s account.

The sum – which was employment allowance – covered the four days following his death and was paid automatically.

But mum-of-four Rachel said she was determined not to pay the outstanding bill and was willing to take the matter all the way to court.

Rachel Degaetano, 45, has now sent a letter back to the government department which states her “utter disgust” at their actions.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Degaentano.

“We have a very clear duty to protect taxpayers’ money – and ensure debt is repaid. We have been in touch with the family to discuss their concerns.”

Granted it might seem insensitive of the authorities to demand a return of payment, but from the mom’s angle, is this battle worth fighting for considering how little is involved?