Philomena was referred to us via her GP to help with her financial situation after enduring a significant downturn in health last year……..

Client Profile:

Philomena was referred to us via her GP to help with her financial situation after enduring a significant downturn in health last year, including undergoing major heart surgery and other chronic and progressive health conditions.

Reason client needs advice:

Philomena had to stop working due to her health situation; she was working to cover her bills, even after reaching pension age. With her sick pay expiring, she was faced with the prospect of returning to work despite still being very poorly. 

What we have done to help the client:

Our adviser provided a telephone appointment to Philomena and after further exploration of her circumstances, did a benefit check and calculation. She had tried to claim benefits before but was turned down, she told us that she found out she had put the wrong information on the forms. The follow-up of the case required a combination of phone calls and emails to progress her case while considering her health situation.

The benefit calculation showed Philomena was entitled to means-tested benefits she wasn’t claiming, totalling almost £1400 per month. She was given full advice about how to claim each benefit, including unclaimed Pension Credits (PC) that were due to be backdated, help to pay her rent and council tax support. In addition, we were able to suggest that Philomena switch to social tariffs for her water and utilities, which will save in excess of £120 per year. We also made a referral on her behalf to get an extra £50 assistance with her water bill.

Outcome:

Philomena is now better off by £1400.00 per month.

Philomena expressed thanks for our help and said that the service she received from Citizens Advice Harlow was excellent.

NB: Names and certain details have been changed to protect our clients’ anonymity