A former soldier whose life was destroyed after an horrific crowbar attack said he been pushed to the brink of suicide after being forced to live off £30 a week.
Kevin Jones was on a night out in Port Talbot in 2003 when he was struck to the back of the head with a metal bar before being pushed down a flight of stairs.
The aftermath saw him lose six pints of blood and suffer a mini-stroke, which affected his ability to walk and talk. Sixteen years on, he cannot prepare or cut up his own food, needs daily reminders to take his medication and needs help washing and shaving.
Since then, the 48-year-old dad has received a number of benefits - which friends said has been a lifeline to helping him keep a roof over his head as well as provide for his daughter.
However, despite his predicament not changing Department for Work and Pensions have decided Kevin is no longer eligible for a personal independence payment (PIP) of £61.20 a week.
And once the PIP funding was pulled that automatically disqualified him from receiving the higher rate of disability living allowance as well.
So, a result Kevin now only has Employment and Support Allowance handout of £60 a week to survive on - and half of that goes straight to his landlord.
Close friend Jonathan Pike, who has been trying to fight the DWP's decision on Kevin's behalf, described the situation as disgusting.
He said: "He has depression and anxiety and has tried to commit suicide three times. It has never been like him. He's down on himself all the time.
"He is embarrassed that he cannot provide for his daughter.
"I think it's absolutely disgusting the way he has been treated. He has been misled."
Kevin, who served in the Army as a driver and was based in Aldershot between 1989 and 1992, received a letter from the DWP last September.
The document, called a statement of entitlement, scores applicants on their ability across different categories concerning daily living - such as food preparation, dressing and undressing as well as communicating.
People qualify for a standard rate if they score between eight and 11 points for your daily living needs in the PIP test. You get the enhanced rate of £61.20 if you score 12 points or more.
Kevin's overall score came to 35 - 17 points in the PIP section and a further 14 in the mobility section of the application.
Jonathan said his friend Kevin had a lot of needs - with his pal needing a walking stick to get around the house and wears a foot brace to go to the toilet due to problems with the nerves in his leg.
Kevin also has to wear loose clothing, as they are easier to get on, and has slurred speech. He has trouble mixing with other people due to depression and has a temper when panicked.
But despite seeing the words "you've been awarded PIP" in black and white, Kevin was shocked to discover when he was told the money wasn't in his bank.
"I called to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to tell them he never received his money, and they said he has not been awarded any points," said Jonathan.
"I said, I've got it here in black and white in front of me saying what he had been awarded.
"They said he would have to apply for a reconsideration, but then then his reconsideration was cancelled."
Friends said the ordeal has had a significant impact on Kevin - and they have tried their best to help him with regular visits as well as bringing food over so at least he can eat.
However, despite several lengthy calls to the DWP's telephone line, weeks on and the situation still hasn't been sorted.
And in the meantime, clinically depressed Kevin is scraping by through sheer determination and hand-outs from friends.
Jonathan added: "He is on anti-depressants and we just need the matter resolved now. They need to tackle the problem."
A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spokeswoman apologised for "confusion" surrounding Kevin's claim.
The spokeswoman said the letter he received refers to a past claim, and a previous judgement made by a tribunal judge which saw the enhanced rate awarded between June 27, 2016 and June 26, 2019.
The spokeswoman said: “We’re sorry for the confusion with Mr Jones’ claim for PIP. We’re currently reviewing his case as requested, and he continues to receive support through his ESA and Housing Benefit payments.
“The letter Mr Jones received related to a past period of his claim, and this has already been explained to him. We will speak to him again to clarify the situation with his benefits.”
