A disabled father and military veteran says he has been left “freezing” and “starving to death” after callous DWP officials stopped his vital benefit payments, it has been reported.

Mark Smith, 46, from Hull, suffers from cervical myelopathy which has caused considerable damage to his spine leaving him unable to work.

Mr Smith was diagnosed with the debilitating condition in 2016 and has since had two vertebrae removed from his neck, which he claims means he struggles to walk and is in constant pain.

In spite of his obvious disability, Mr Smith says he has been waiting “years” for Employment and Support Allowance, and also that his Personal Independence Payments (PIP) were axed in November 2018.

photo credit: dominikgolenia via photopin cc

Mr Smith told the Hull Daily Mail: “I’m starving because I have no money for food, and I’m having to rely on Hull Veterans to feed me and bring round food parcels to my house in order to eat.

“I can’t afford heating either, so I’m freezing to death, and the cold conditions in my house is making my neck even worse.

“I’m severely disabled and have been diagnosed with cervical myelopathy.

“I’ve had to have half my neck removed after getting constant pins and needles, and I’m now on 18 tablets a day for the condition.

“I feel absolutely s*** that I’ve got no benefits to live off and I don’t know what to do.

“There’s just too much wrong with me and my condition is degenerative so it’s only going to get worse – I’m just a big MOT failure and in a really dark place.”

DWP HQ, Caxton House, London. Photo: Paul Billanie for Welfare Weekly.

Mr Smith, who served six years in the army and has previously worked in the care sector, said the whole experience has left him feeling suicidal.

“I sit in my chair all day as walking is tough for me so I find it hard to get about – it’s no life to lead and I’m so lonely and angry and often have nowhere to talk to – sometimes I just don’t want to be here anymore.

“I’ve got two 11-year-old and 13-year-old daughters who I see every weekend and they keep me going, but I can’t provide for them as I’ve got no money, which is so sickening.

“My back is up against the wall and I feel like I’ve done everything in my power to get the benefits I’m entitled to, but I’m not being listened to or supported.”

A Department for Work and Pensions Spokesperson said they were helping Mr Smith with a fresh PIP claim, adding: “His previous PIP award finished on the date set by the independent appeal service.”