The client is of pension age and lives alone. Client has numerous health conditions ……..

Client Profile: 

The client is of pension age and lives alone. Client has numerous health conditions including mental health issues and cardiac conditions.  

Reason why client needs advice: 

Our client came to us in 2021 with a letter from Harlow Council informing of an overpayment of Housing Benefit of over £6,000 for periods that date back to 2018 and a Council tax charge of over £2,000 for the same period. The over payment occurred as the client's carer had started to claim for Carers Allowance in 2018 which then meant that the client was no longer entitled to Severe Disability Premium, this was discovered in 2021 just over 3yrs later. 

What we have done to help the client:

Our Money Specialist submitted a Standard Financial Statement asking Harlow Council to consider a reduced payment plan.  The Carers Allowance was stopped, and our Specialist helped the client to get his Severe Disability Premium reinstated. 

Outcome:

The client had the Severe Disability Premium reinstated, which equates to £43 per week financial gain. The Council proposed a repayment arrangement for the overpayment at £11.55 per week which will be taken directly out of the client's existing benefits. 

Client is now £31.45 per week better off 

Client feels less anxious and stressed.