Rose’s income had increased by £354 a month. She said: “I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me. I feel so much more positive, thank you “
Rose is 53 and she fell into debt after the break-up of an abusive relationship. Delays in assessing her benefits entitlement following the change in her circumstances meant she could not keep up with the rent payment for her two-bedroom housing association home.
She was receiving care for anxiety and depression from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Mental Health team when she was referred to us for help.
She explained that her Universal Credit payments of £676 a month, which includes her housing benefits, wasn’t covering her bills. She was relying on her adult children for financial help supplemented by foodbanks. She had already had three foodbank vouchers this year and received a Discretionary Housing Payment.
Her mental health was being severely impacted by her money worries.
Our adviser explained that even though there was a limit of three food parcels within a six month period, she could request another food parcel on Rose’s behalf due to her financial problems.
Rose had received a Limited Capability for Work Related Activities (LCWRA) assessment and her application was unsuccessful. With our support she submitted a Mandatory Reconsideration, which she was initially told that she had not been successful, causing her huge emotional stress. However a day later, she received a call from the Department of Work and Pensions to say that they had made a mistake and her application has been approved, increasing her UC entitlement.
She had also been refused Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the initial application and Mandatory Reconsideration stages. Our adviser has offered advice on what medical and other information Rose would need to support her case at the Tribunal. With our advice and support, Rose’s income had increased by £354 a month. She has been given the knowledge and confidence to challenge the decision not to award her PIP at Tribunal and she is receiving help with her debts.
Rose said: “I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for me. I feel so much more positive, thank you “
