BCH Rents Team - Here to help

 Case Study: Barbara*

Barbara very sadly lost her husband, Derek*. BCH was made aware of the death of Derek within a few days of his passing. Usually time is provided to ensure loved ones have time to grieve before being contacted but as Barbara was under retirement age this would trigger a change in circumstances and require Universal Credits to be claimed therefore a Rent Housing Officer made contact with Barbara and a meeting was arranged shortly after inviting an FSO to ensure Barbara was able to make the UC Claim as required. It was quickly identified that the late Derek dealt with all the finances, everything was in his name including Housing Benefit therefore this was stopped once he passed. While grieving for the loss of her life partner, dealing with her own health concerns and very little income of her own it was a matter of urgency that help was sought for Barbara.

While awaiting the UC Claim to begin the FSO provided food vouchers and supported in applying for other benefits that Barbara was entitled to claim.

The tenancy is now in Barbara’s name, she is receiving all benefits she is entitled to and arrears are being paid off in manageable instalments. She is now in a better place financially and has no worries of losing her home and is able to grieve for her husband without the added financial worries.

Case Study: Deborah*

Deborah was working fulltime before she had an accident at work and was put on long term sick. Deborah contacted the Rents Team as she was unsure how she would pay rent going forward without a job. An FSO met with Deborah and discussed her circumstances. A UC claim was put in along with other benefits that Deborah was entitled to.

While awaiting for the payments to begin food parcels and fuel vouchers were arranged and an air fryer was provided. The FSO also assisted with claiming a pension from a previous employer which will provide a financial back up while waiting for benefit claims to be processed.

Deborah was very grateful to the support she received, stating:

"Thank you so much, you was there when I felt so low and at a loss and thought I would lose my home. You are easy to talk to and made me feel so much better about myself… I'm so grateful for your support and I appreciate your help so much and I really do value the help you give me." 

Case study: Ivy*

78 year old Ivy had been struggling with managing her bills and had fallen into arrears with her rent, council tax and energy supplier. An FSO made contact with Ivy to assist with rent arrears and any other assistance that is identified. During the initial assessment it was made apparent that Ivy had been told by an advice agency that she was not entitled to any benefits due to income from her deceased husband’s pension. Due to this Ivy had been paying full rent and full council tax on a very small income. The FSO completed a benefit check that showed she was in fact entitled to both council tax and housing benefit. The FSO applied for these on behalf of Ivy. Council Tax confirmed Ivy was entitled to a reduction and had overpaid £600. This has saved Ivy £80 per month. Housing Benefit also confirmed Ivy was entitled to a reduction in rent costs.

Additionally, the FSO applied to the energy supplier’s trust fund to help with paying off the arrears with that company. This application was granted and an agreement was made for Ivy to pay usage of £20 per week for 3 months. This was an affordable amount and following these payments being made the energy supplier wrote off the remaining balance of £1067.

Ivy is now debt free and has £200 per month more disposable income which will really help.