Information & Advice

Theresa was Anxious

Theresa’s son, who lives in Scotland and is very unwell himself, contacted us to see if we could help his mother who lives alone on the third floor of an apartment building.

Theresa was anxious about a number of things; the pressures of living alone, maintenance of the property, bills, problems with her energy company and feeling isolated.

When we visited Theresa in her home, we discovered she was unable to get out unaided and her only outdoor experience is to hospital appointments, where ambulance staff were required to carry her downstairs in a secure chair. During the visit, Theresa also expressed her wish to go into a care home.

Theresa is unable to bath or shower and struggles to wash down. Fortunately extended family help with shopping and visits.

We contacted Social Services on Theresa’s behalf who visited her and completed a needs assessment which resulted in extra support from Social Services including help with personal care. A housing application form was also completed and Theresa confirmed her wish to go into a care home.

During the home visit we completed an Attendance Allowance application form and Mrs T was awarded the higher rate of £82.30 per week (with £300 back dated payment). She now also receives a premium on her Pension Credit as well as help with housing costs. We also contacted Theresa’s energy supplier and agreed a more reasonable level of fuel debt payments for her.

Some time later, Theresa contacted us again as she needed help as Darlington Borough Council wanted sight of her birth certificate as proof of ID. As she is housebound we arranged to pick this up, take to DBC and then return it to her. We are continuing to support Theresa until such time as DBC have found her a suitable care home or sheltered accommodation. We have also referred her to our Befriending and Good Friends scheme.

Murray Needed Support

Murray suffered severe injuries following an accident over 20 years ago, and has several illnesses meaning he relies on his wife to help him with personal care. Without support from his wife, he would need round the clock care.

We helped the couple complete the Attendance Allowance (AA) and fully believed he would be awarded the higher rate. AA was refused and our client decided he wasn’t going to pursue it, but we believed he had an extremely good case and reconsideration was requested.

The decision was not changed and as the client did not agree with the ‘reasons’ for refusal we helped our client with paperwork for appeal.

Before we even had received an appeal date, DWP changed the decision and our client was awarded the higher rate of AA at £82.30 a week.

The award of £82.30 a week had made a huge difference to the lives of this couple and particularly for his wife, who can now pay for the support she needs to look after him.

Sue Lives Alone

Sue is 88 years old and lives alone in sheltered accommodation. She moved to be nearer her family as she is very frail and has had many falls. Social Services supported her following discharge from hospital and carers are now in place.

Unfortunately, Sue had to pay for the support she received and her savings were reducing week by week causing her many sleepless nights. Her son asked if
we could help his mother with any financial benefits.

We initially completed the Attendance Allowance form and followed up with a General Benefit Check as client had low income. We also checked entitlement
for Warm Homes Discount, Housing Benefit and Council Tax relief.

Sue was awarded the higher rate for Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax relief and is now £217 a week better off. She will also receive help with health costs.