Client is female with 2 dependent children. Our client is in receipt of Universal Credit, Child Benefit and ………..

Client Profile: 

Client is female with 2 dependent children. Our client is in receipt of Universal Credit, Child Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The family lives in a council property.

Reason why client needs advice: 

Our client had suffered domestic violence and has a non-molestation order in place against her ex-partner. The client needed money advice as they had a CCJ (County Court Judgment) in the process of being enforced and rent arrears of approximately £1500. 

The client is on a low income and, at the time of the call, had £10 left in her bank. 

What we have done to help the client:

We provided information on local services that could support the client with groceries including the Community Embrace food pantry and Foodbank Bounty club. Accessing these services will allow the client to make savings on her food shopping. 

We were also able to issue the client with a Food Bank Voucher worth £45 and a Fuel Voucher worth £30. 

We made a referral to the local Bump-to-Five project who provided the client with essential baby items including a Cot-Bed, bedding, Formula and Nappies. 

We supported the client in contacting the council to ask for action to be put on hold until she can receive full Debt Advice from Citizens Advice Harlow.  

We advised the client to contact the collection agency regarding the CCJ which the client did, she was instructed to speak with the solicitors dealing with the case. A new affordable payment plan has been set up, thus stopping enforcement action. 

We looked at income maximisation options for the client and advised that she could claim Child Maintenance and also the single person discount on her council tax. 

Outcome:

The client has received help with groceries to reduce her weekly food costs 

Our client received approximately £575 in charitable support from the Bump to Five project. 

The enforcement action was stopped on the CCJ providing the client keeps up with the payment plan. 

We are continuing to assist the client with debt advice and reducing her rent arrears. 

Our client thanked us for our support through a traumatic time and stated our help had improved her mental wellbeing and helped her to navigate through a dramatic change for her and her children.