John’s story
John (name changed) came to his appointment with one of our Financial Inclusion Workers with lots of paperwork (bills, benefits etc), feeling overwhelmed and needing support with his budgeting. He had an overpayment of Council Tax Support and an escalating credit card debt.
An initial benefit check identified a missing Severe Disability Premium on his benefits. We also looked at how the Council Tax overpayment had occurred. The client made notes throughout the appointment and made the phone calls himself. We sorted through his bills and he was provided with a budget template.
A few months later, John reported that he had received a backpayment of £4,600 for his Severe Disability Premium. This meant that he could pay off his Council Tax overpayment and his credit card debt. In addition, he was £67.30 per week better off and was finding it much easier to budget for his everyday expenses. He is also now accessing therapy that he had not previously been able to afford.