46-year-old Dawn has a teenage son who is awaiting a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Due to his condition he eats a very limited range of foods which need to be readily available to reduce his stress and anxiety levels.
These food items need to be stored in a fridge freezer but Dawn’s was overheating and potentially dangerous and she couldn’t afford to buy one new. As Dawn had been living at the same property for several years, she didn’t automatically qualify for a DAF Individual Assistance Fund (IAP) payment. However our adviser explained that in light of her son’s eating problems, she may be eligible for a discretionary application. Dawn didn’t have access to the internet and couldn’t make an online application herself therefore our adviser submitted the application on her behalf.
During the appointment he discovered Dawn was struggling to pay for food and would benefit from a foodbank voucher. Dawn was told that she might benefit from a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) that could meet any shortfall between her Housing Benefits and rent payments. We also gave Dawn information on applying for Children’s Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Following our advice and support. Dawn secured a discretionary award for a new fridge freezer. She was also given the knowledge and information she needed to apply for child DLA and DHP herself.
