Our Money Advisor, Dave, recently helped a tenant with their energy debt and found them additional financial support to boost their income, sustain their tenancy, and improve their financial wellbeing.
*Names changed for anonymity
Trouble with heating costs
A tenant of ours, Ms X*, was referred to us back in July 2024 as she was having difficulties keeping on top of her energy debt. Following this, an appointment was arranged with our Money Advisor, Dave to see how we could help her
Dave met with Ms X to review her debt, assess her energy statements and reassure her that we would work together to find a solution. After a brief assessment, Dave proposed an affordable monthly repayment plan tailored to Ms X income and expenses.
Looking into financial support
While talking through her debt, Dave also explored additional financial support. We discovered that Ms X was unable to work due to health issues and this was root cause of her struggles. On top of this, her health condition requires a consistently warm home which has led to very high heating costs.
Dave suggested to Mrs X that, due to her condition and difficulties, she may be eligible for Personal Independence Payments (PIP); a benefit paid to people who are experiencing problems with mobility and struggling with daily living activities. Ms X explained that she had already applied on several occasions and had been refused each time, the last occasion being in May 2024.
We asked if it would be ok to look over her paperwork to understand why it had been refused – and when we looked we felt it was worth appealing the refusal. After some convincing, Ms X agreed to work with us to complete and submit her paperwork to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions).
What happened next?
In December we attended a benefit tribunal hearing with Ms X a to discuss the case and a decision was made to award her a payment for daily living and mobility. The tribunal also agreed to backdate the payment to November 2023. This totals £137.25 per week in additional income!
This month, Ms X contacted us to confirm she had received a payment of over £8,000.00 in backdated benefit. She was really relived and is now able to use this money to clear her energy debt, for which she had initially been referred to us for. Ms X also told us that the additional income would really help to support her in making her bills more affordable moving forward.
What Ms X had to say:
“I can’t state how Dave has made me feel. His help and persistence, allowed him to help me to challenge the decision of the DWP to decline me PIP has proven to be a real blessing.
I was extremely frightened when faced with the thought of attending a tribunal, certainly not something I readily accepted. While Dave understood my feelings, given my mental and physical health conditions, he instilled confidence in me that he would do everything he could to get me what he felt I deserved.
The money from PIP has helped me in more ways than one. Financially, yes, but has also given me the peace of mind that I will not have to worry about paying my bills. A real assurance and a feeling of confidence. I will be forever grateful for what Dave has done for me.”
Remember, we're here to support you so if you need any support with your finances or paying your rent, please give us a call on 0345 60 20 540 or get in touch with your Rent Payment Officer.
