David came to Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne for a benefit and financial health check as well as help with debts.
David stopped working in January 2023 due to health issues and is submitting fit notes on his UC journal. He is a married man (recently separated from his wife) living in Housing Association accommodation.
David was receiving UC including Housing Element which covered his rent. He had water and Council Tax debts totalling together with rent arrears.
Throughout this time, due to his health, David was unable to meet appointments and needed a lot of support.
We helped the client with preparation of a PIP application which resulting in an annual awards of £9,000 and with ESA and Limited Capability for work payments resulting in a further annual award of £11,400.
After 5 months being off work sick, his employers dismissed him. We were able to advise the client about his rights regarding Notice and Pay in Lieu of Notice which resulted in him following up with the employer and received £440 as a result.
Alongside, David was receiving demands from bailiffs and a repossession order of his home. We were successfully able to help suspend the possession order, and agree repayment plans with his landlords, and for water and council tax debts.
David is now in a position where he has his financial circumstances settled at a level he can afford and is secure in his home.