Reducing Stress Through Financial Guidance

Our client is a pension age woman living alone. She approached LDCA for help with her rent and council tax payments. She was struggling to manage repayment of a housing benefit overpayment, rent arrears and council tax arrears. In addition, she was facing an upcoming increase in her rent. The situation was causing her anxiety.

She is in receipt of a state pension and 2 small occupational pensions inherited from her deceased husband. She has a very small amount of savings. After speaking to her and discovering that she had various health conditions the adviser identified that she might be eligible for Attendance Allowance. The adviser assisted with the application process including the form. The higher rate of Attendance Allowance was awarded. This in turn meant that the client became entitled to Pension Credit for the first time. The award of Pension Credit means that the client's winter fuel allowances payments are also protected and she will continue to receive them.

Our client has been able to repay her rent and council tax arrears. Her housing benefit and council tax reduction now cover her eligible rent and council tax in full.  The award of Pension Credit means that she is now eligible for more help with her health care costs and, in particular, vouchers for glasses which she was especially delighted with.

The client says of her the advice and support she received “this has really improved my quality of life