Niamh is of working age, suffers from severe mental health conditions, has debilitating medical issues……….
Client Profile: Niamh is of working age, suffers from severe mental health conditions, and has debilitating medical issues.
Reason client needs advice: *Niamh was referred to us through her GP practice as she was struggling to cope financially.
What we have done to help the client:
During the first initial meeting with Niamh, it became clear that her financial worries were impacting her already poor mental health. Niamh had no heat or hot water in her home due to her boiler breaking down some time ago, she also had some white goods in her kitchen that were not working.
We completed an Essential Living Fund (ELF) application for Niamh requesting the essential goods that she needed for her home.
Our Energy team checked her eligibility for a boiler replacement, she was delighted to learn she was eligible, and a new boiler was installed for her.
Our adviser identified that Niamh would be entitled to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and helped her make an application.
Outcome:
ELF awarded £270 to purchase the essential goods that were needed for her home
Boiler replacement worth £5000
PIP awarded at the standard rate for both the daily living and mobility components - £290.60 and £114.80 four weeklies respectively for 2 years
With our support, after identifying his PIP entitlement, another benefit was applied for and the DWP awarded her Employment Support Allowance (ESA) which increased her income by £138.20 per week
Niamh is better off by £16,805 for the next two years and in addition, has a working boiler and essential goods for her home.
NOTE: * All client stories have had certain details changed or omitted to preserve the clients’ anonymity.