“This allowed Derek to make an informed decision and ensure the couple do not fall into further financial difficulties.”
Denise was rushed into hospital before she could attend her first appointment with the Let’s Talk Money Team for help with debts of almost £10,000. By giving her consent for her husband Derek to represent her, our Specialist Debt Adviser Rhys was able to begin helping Denise while she was in Intensive Care with a heart condition.
The 62-year-old sadly received a terminal diagnosis just weeks after Rhys began supporting the couple. Denise did not have the disposable income to pay her creditors so bailiffs had visited the couple’s home. Her Personal Independence Payment (PIP) had also been stopped because she had been in hospital for more than 28 days.
Several members of the Let’s Talk Money team worked with Derek to help Denise. Rhys was able to successfully secure a Debt Relief Order (DRO) to clear liabilities totalling £9,753.
He said: “This helped reduce the couple’s financial anxieties so they felt able to fill in the necessary forms to have Denise’s PIP reinstated and her award reviewed in light of the changes to her health.
“They have been so grateful for our support during such a difficult time. Derek wants to care for his wife at home so he has been working with our Specialist Welfare Benefits Adviser Mike.
“Mike ran through a range of different scenarios, which helped Derek understand how a change in working hours or giving up work would affect the household finances.
“This allowed Derek to make an informed decision and ensure the couple do not fall into further financial difficulties.”
