A woman who is unable to leave the house and struggles to speak had her benefits stopped after being deemed fit for work.
Debra Barrass, 47, has advanced emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), meaning she suffers from shortness of breath.
The condition is so advanced that Debra can barely talk and basic tasks leave her breathless.
Diagnosed in 2010, Debra was receiving Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independent Payment (PIP) but was asked to attend a mandatory work capability assessment.
But despite the debilitating condition Debra, of Wallsend, was deemed fit to work by the Department for Work and Pensions and had her benefits stopped.
She said: "I struggle from day-to-day, doing absolutely anything.
"They have said I am fit for work. My COPD is in the advanced stage and the tests they give you - I am not hitting the targets.
"I'm absolutely exhausted. I struggle to get up the stairs.
"I struggle to get out of the house often because I struggle so much.
"I'm really housebound."
Debra, who relies on three inhalers each days, says she was receiving £220 per fortnight on ESA and £300 once a month on PIP.
However, this week the DWP asked Debra to attend a reassessment and her £300 a month has been restored until the hearing has taken place.
The situation has left her suffering from anxiety and depression and she says she's never felt so jaded.
"When they stopped all my money," she said. "I didn't have a thing. I just want to kill myself. I'm really, really struggling."
A DWP spokesperson said: “We’re committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with health conditions get the support they’re entitled to.
“Decisions about entitlement to ESA are made based on all the information provided, including from a GP or medical specialist.
“Following a request from Ms Barrass we are reviewing our decision to find her fit for work. She continues to receive support through Personal Independence Payment."
