“Peter was not receiving the Severe Disability Payment (SDP), which is £69 per week."
Peter’s rent on his privately rented flat was increasing and he was worried about how he would manage financially. He was referred to us for advice by our Communities for Work (CfW) colleagues.
Peter is deaf and as a result he also has issues with balance, making it difficult for him to manage the stairs to his first floor flat. He also has a condition which causes a weakness in his neck. A knock or fall could cause paralysis so Peter was keen to find somewhere more suitable for him and his support dog. The 52-year-old’s mother helped him to register for social housing but she passed away last year. Peter’s only support since her death was his dog.
As Peter can lip read, adviser Vanessa was able to see him in-person to understand more about his problems. He told her that he was receiving income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA), the standard rate daily living and mobility components of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit. Vanessa carried out a benefit check to ensure he was receiving all the financial support he was entitled to.
Vanessa said: “Peter was not receiving the Severe Disability Payment (SDP), which is £69 per week. An appointment was made for Peter to come back for help in making an application for SDP and a referral was made to the Supporting People team at Blaenau Gwent Council to find him long term support.
“I helped Peter apply for SDP by telephone and he was allocated a support worker to provide ongoing assistance. His SDP application was successful and he received a back payment of £11,381.”
Vanessa also worked with his Support Worker Helen to provide Peter with energy advice. Helen helped him apply for the £150 Council Tax rebate ‘Cost of Living’ payment and the Welsh Government £200 Fuel Support scheme, the Warm Home Discount of £150 as well as a Discretionary Housing Payment for any rent shortfalls.
Our CfW colleague said: “I have been blown away by your input. The outcome so far has been exceptional. We have also had confirmation that he has been put into the gold band on the social housing register. He is so happy with his support worker Helen too, you can see the relief that he is now feeling supported again. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Following our advice, Peter’s overall well being improved, his household income increased by £62 a week and he was able to access all the ‘Cost of Living’ support available to him.
Peter sent Vanessa a text message saying: “Hi, I want to say thank you for helping me. I mean it. Thank you Vanessa.”