01
Mr A received a bailiff letter threatening to make a visit and adding further costs to the already high debt owed for Council Tax. The client wanted help to set up a payment plan to avoid a bailiff visit and incurring more costs. We contacted Nottingham City Council and asked them to stop any further action until we had seen the client and completed a financial statement. Nottingham City Council called the debt back from the bailiffs and put a hold on the account for 60 days. We helped the client set up a payment plan affordable for him. The total debt was £3621.40.
02
Ms B lived alone in a 2-bed accommodation. She was being charged for the second bedroom (£15 a week). She was struggling with low income and wanted to know if she could get any help. Her granddaughter was her Carer and often stayed with Ms B overnight. We helped Ms B get an exemption For the second bedroom as it was used for her Carer. We also helped Ms B claim the Big Difference Scheme. She saved £488.98 for the year towards her water bill and over £700 for bedroom tax.
03
Mr P stopped working due to ill health. He claimed Employment and Support Allowance and was placed in the work-related group. He believed he should have been placed in the support group as he is unable to work. We asked for a mandatory reconsideration and submitted further evidence. The decision changed and the client was placed in the support group. We helped the client apply for Personal Independence Payment; the claim was successful. Mr P's income increased by £221.60.
04
Mrs A lived with her ill mother. They had a fuel debt of £6000 and struggled to make payments due to low income. Mrs A told us she had applied for the British Gas Trust Fund and had received help in the past. Because she had claimed similar to her previous claim, her second application was refused. Her supplier was sending numerous messages by text demanding payment. It got to a point where the supplier threatened to take court action. Mrs A's mother needed the heating on more than usual due to her ill health which made her vulnerable. The client wanted to know what help she could receive to avoid further action.
Firstly, the supplier was asked to put a hold on any further action until we could see the client and help her with a financial statement so she could set up a payment plan. An affordable payment plan was set up. The supplier was notified about the vulnerable person living with the client, which thankfully stopped the annoying phone calls she was receiving. Mrs A mentioned her mother was unwell and needed care day and night. We helped Mrs A's mother claim Attendance Allowance. The claim was successful. This outcome increased the mother's Pension Credit payments. Mrs A was able to claim Carers Allowance. This increased her universal Credit payments. We then applied for fuel vouchers which Nottingham City Council provide for use towards their fuel bills
05
Mr H had over £45000 in his bank account and wanted to know if he could claim any benefits. He was of ill health and struggled to walk. We did a benefit check however Mr H wasn't eligible. We advised Mr H he could claim Attendance Allowance due to his ill health. He was advised to get medical evidence which was then submitted and successful. He was awarded the higher rate and received £92.40 a week.