Single man with a history of substance abuse was in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance. Under the terms of his work agreement he went for an interview with a large retail store, which refused to interview him as he did not have photo ID e.g. a passport or driving licence. By not having the interview he risked being sanctioned.
Action/Outcome: Adviser contacted Job Centre, who explained that the work coach (from the work programme provider), responsible for the clients should be able to pay for photo ID, if not having ID was a ‘barrier to work’. Adviser informed client, so he was not sanctioned and prepared for his next interview.
A widow (78), disabled from birth needed a home visit. Nevertheless she was independent and unwilling to engage with Social Services for help; however she took out a loan for the installation of double glazing and had gone overdrawn for the first time which was causing her anxiety and she had had to give up her weekly cleaner and cut down on a meals delivery service she used.
Action/Outcome: Adviser confirmed that she was not entitled to any means tested benefits. Client had been with the same utility companies for many years and although she was unwilling to switch suppliers she did follow advice to try and negotiate new terms and she was able to cut monthly payments to Sky, BT, British Gas and her insurance provider. The adviser contacted Barclays who provided her and they reduced the repayments without significantly extending the term. She had been in receipt of Higher Rate mobility DLA for many years and was unaware that she was likely to be eligible for a care component. The adviser helped her to complete the necessary application and she was awarded Middle Rate Care DLA of £55.10 weekly. The payment of DLA care component together with the savings the client was able to make on her outgoings meant she was able to get her bank account back into credit and reinstate her cleaning service and meal deliveries.
Family with 2 children under 5, all income was from means tested benefits, as father was on employment support allowance. Mother had almost £20,000 debt and had a support worker. Their washing machine broke and after trying to repair it themselves, they called an engineer and were charged almost £150. They used their child tax credit to pay for this but then had no money for food, nappies or electric.
Action/Outcome: Adviser obtained £70 from the Local Assistance Scheme and referred family for help from the foodbank. They referred clients on to specialist money advice for help to obtain a Debt Relief Order.
A single woman in her late 50s had to take early retirement when she was diagnosed with a progressive disease. Her physical health had declined over the past year, which has meant her benefit entitlement has changed.
Action/Outcome: Initially the Adviser helped client to apply for Contribution Based ESA but client’s lump sum from work meant she was unable to apply for Housing Benefit and council tax support: adviser gave advice about when she would become eligible for help with her rent and council tax. The Adviser encouraged the client to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and she was awarded the Daily Living component at the standard level. The client had previously been refused a blue badge, this was reversed when the adviser wrote to the Blue Badge Team on her behalf. As the client’s walking abilities had deteriorated the Adviser reported the client’s change of circumstances to the DWP and completed a new PIP claim form on her behalf. The client has now been awarded the Mobility Component of PIP. As client’s health will continue to decline, she will return when her needs change, again.
