A mother-of-two took her own life after her mortgage payments increased by £500 a month and her benefits application was rejected, her daughter has claimed.
Kathleen Moore spent the last four years struggling to make her mortgage payments after they shot up due to rising interest rates on her interest-only loan.
The 60-year-old had osteoporosis, which hindered on how much she could work as a dog sitter, and was too young to retire and receive her pension.
She applied for personal independence payment (PIP) and universal credit but was told she did not meet the criteria due to her age and because she had a mortgage.
Her daughter Amy Evans, from Lowestoft, Suffolk, said her mother was trying to work at least 30 hours a month and rented out rooms in her home when she could to try to make the mortgage payments, but still had to depend on foodbanks at times.
Ms Evans, 37, said her mother would often talk about her money problems but did not reveal how bad they were, and was ‘devastated’ when she received a phone call in August 2024 to say she had attempted to take her own live. She died two days later.
Now, Ms Evans – a stay-at-home mother and cleaner – is petitioning for more financial and mental health support for those over 60 – including a review into the eligibility criteria for universal credit and PIP.
She said: ‘She’d talk about money so much. It consumed her – the worry – for such a resilient person. She wasn’t entitled to universal credit because she had a mortgage.
Amy Evans (centre) and her mother Kathleen Moore (right), with other family members
Kathleen Moore had spent the last four years struggling to make her mortgage payments
‘She wasn’t poorly enough for PIP. Everywhere she turned there were no answers. If someone had helped – she’d still be here.’
Ms Evans said she noticed her mother started stressing about money after becoming single four years ago.
She added: ‘She was with her partner for ten years and they went their separate ways. It made it difficult for my mum financially.
‘The interest rates went up. I think her mortgage went up from £100 to £600 a month.’
Ms Moore could only work so much due to her health and tried to apply for financial support from the Government, but did not meet the criteria.
She also rented rooms in her home out – but Ms Evans said her mother had tenants disappear without paying.
Amy Evans and her 60-year-old mother Kathleen Moore, who was living with osteoporosis
Amy Evans (left) and her mother Kathleen Moore (centre), with other family members
Ms Evans offered for her mother to stay with her if she needed to but Ms Moore was ‘proud’ and wanted to stay in her own home.
Ms Evans said: ‘It took its toll on her. It took a lot for her to ask for help – I think she was ashamed.’
The family still did not realise quite how bad things had became, and said Ms Moore always seemed to ‘have a dip but get back on her feet’.
Ms Evans then got a call on August 13, 2024, to say that her mother had attempted to take her own life and was in hospital.
Ms Moore was on life support for two days before passing away on August 15.
It was only after her death that Ms Evans realised the severity of her mother’s money worries.
Amy Evans (right) said Kathleen Moore (left) was trying to work at least 30 hours a month
Kathleen Moore was on life support for two days before passing away on August 15 last year
She said: ‘It wasn’t really until she’d gone that we looked at all the paperwork and saw how desperate she’d become. She could never really make ends meet.
‘She got desperate and bought into loan sharks. She was so worried all the time about having a roof over her head.’
Now Ms Evans wants to see a change in the support those over 60 can access.
She wants to see a review into the eligibility criteria for universal credit and PIP to ensure individuals aged 60 and over who are self-employed, carers, or single without dependents are no longer ‘unfairly’ excluded from financial support.
Ms Evans also wants to see a dedicated mental health counselling service for those aged 60 and over.
She said of her mother: ‘She needed a financial solution. Someone to talk to could have changed what she was planning.
‘She was the life and soul of most parties when she was younger. She was very resilient. I hope the petition will save someone else.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
