Homelessness Prevention

The Problem:

A disabled single mother had rent arrears of over £2000. Possession proceedings had begun and she and her son were in danger of being evicted and becoming homeless. She had large debts including a water bill for over £4000 and bailiffs had been to her house to list goods for removal.

Action/Outcome:

We were able to maximise her income by helping her appeal her Employment Support Allowance and get it reinstated. We helped her to apply for Personal Independence Payment, which is a disability benefit. This meant she could now afford her rent and other living expenses. We also managed to have all of her debts written off.

Disability Benefits

The Problem:

Our client aged 75, had ill health and lived alone in a rented housing association house. He was struggling financially; with debts owed to his landlord, his bank and HMRC. His rent arrears were also putting his tenancy at risk. He was paying out so much money to try and clear these debts that he couldn’t afford food.

Action/Outcome:

We re-negotiated the amounts he was paying towards his debts to make them more affordable for him. We helped him to claim Attendance Allowance which gave him more money, £81.30 a week and allowed him to pay for his daily needs. This also gave him access to other benefits such as a mobility scooter to give him more independence.

Benefits

The Problem:

A couple needed help with an ESA appeal, they also revealed their worry that one partner had been directed to attend a work programme, which would mean he would have to leave his ill partner home alone. They received ESA basic allowance while awaiting appeal hearing and one of them received higher rate mobility and middle rate care Disability Living Allowance.

Action/Outcome:

Advised that client should apply for Carers Premium to exempt him from work programme and this has increased their weekly income by £30.30 with the premium backdated for 3 months. They continue to wait for their ESA appeal hearing but client is now able to provide his partner with the care and support she needs.

Housing

The Problem:

A man, aged 56 was released from prison with £46, nowhere to live and no family connections, following 36 years in prison, the latter term was 15 years. He was unable to sign on for Job Seekers Allowance, as he had nowhere to live.

Action/Outcome:

CAB liaised with the prison and SHBC, who provided him with emergency accommodation, which allowed him to sign on, locally. Client had said he would commit a crime to return to prison if he couldn’t get housed, he was so distressed.