Severely disabled man who was told he was fit to work behind a bar wins apology in benefits row

A SEVERELY disabled man who was told he could work as a barman has received an apology from benefits bosses.

Billy Bryson was told he was no longer eligible for government aid and had his benefits stopped in February 2017, following a medical assessment.

After The Sunday Post highlighted his plight, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) apologised to the 55-year-old for the “poor service” he received, but said he will still not receive any cash.

Since a car accident 18 years ago, Billy has been unable to feel the right side of his body and yet was deemed fit for work in 2017.

Now the DWP said he is not expected to work, but his husband’s income means he is not eligible for benefits, despite there being no change in the couple’s finances.

Billy said: “This whole experience has caused me so much stress. I’m appreciative of the fact that they have apologised to me, but they are still not clear why all of a sudden they stopped my benefits. It shows how chaotic the DWP really is, if they can’t get this right.”

The DWP said: “We have reviewed Mr Bryson’s case and determined he was underpaid for a period in 2017, while appealing his Work Capability Assessment decision.

“The decision was ultimately upheld by the independent tribunal. We have apologised for the underpayment and have made a full repayment to him.”