Phillip Herron, a 34-year-old single dad from Durham, was left with just $6 while waiting weeks for his first Universal Credit payment. Struggling with debt and unable to care for his three kids, the delay became unbearable. In 2019, he died by suicide just hours after posting a tearful selfie and farewell note.
His mother later uncovered the full extent of his hardship — payday loans, eviction threats, and a system that never came through. She now speaks out, warning that benefit delays can be deadly and urging anyone in crisis to seek help.
Phillip’s story has sparked outrage over the UK’s Universal Credit system and a call for change so no parent feels this desperate and alone again.
