The sister of a man who died whilst waiting for a Universal Credit payment says her brother spent his last days hungry and in fear of losing his home.

Chris Gold from Shepton Beauchamp, Somerset, died from natural causes just days after ITV News reported on the delays he faced receiving his benefits payout.

In an exclusive interview with our reporter, Ben McGrail, his sister says he was let down by the system.

When I met Chris Gold earlier this year, it was clear he was worried about his future. He was heavily in debt and struggling to be paid Universal Credit. He was preparing to lose his home.

He told me:

I feel like I've been hung out to dry and not eating and that - it just makes you feel ill all the time. Yeah I want to keep the house because I've worked hard for thirty eight years but it just seems unfair that I've worked all my life to buy a house and now I'm going to end up with nothing. But there it is." Chris Gold

Chris said that when applying for the benefit he'd been told he was fit to work, but the stroke, which he suffered in 2015, left him with serious health problems.

Just days after our interview was broadcasted, he died of natural causes.

Chris's sister Heather told me she had spent a lot of time with him in the months before he died.

She knew how serious his money problems were and she says she saw the effect his fight to get Universal Credit had on him.

Heather Gold says her brother Credit: ITV West Country

He knew that he was going to lose everything. His house, where he brought the girls up. He knew. He couldn't go to work - he was ill. Just looking at him he looked like a ghost on legs. He was so pale, no fat on him. Heather Gold

I asked Heather, what if he'd been getting that money?

He would have built himself up. He kept on about it: "I'm not going to be like this forever Heather." Heather Gold

In the months between his first application and his death, Chris had his phone line cut off, big utility bills come through and he'd been receiving food bank parcels.

The week I saw him, he told me he was hopeful of receiving Universal Credit in a few days… but that didn't happen.

In the end, Heather says, he relied on her for money.

Heather Gold says Chris had to rely on her for money. Credit: ITV West Country

They should have been more in touch with him to help him with his head so that he could sleep and not worry about the next day and what was going to happen. They could have taken a lot of stress off him. Heather Gold

Chris's story isn't unique.

The charity Citizens Advice Taunton, says between April and September this year they helped over 450 people who are either trying to claim Universal Credit or are in debt because of delays in receiving it.

In the end, Heather says, he relied on her for money. She also bought his food shopping and took him for meals.

Chris never received the benefit. He died waiting.

Today, the government has been forced to hold an emergency debate on the new benefits system, after the Commons backed motion calling for rollout to be paused.

Watch the live debate below:

In response, the Department of Work and Pensions said: