Gemma's story

Gemma* was referred to us with serious rent and council tax arrears. She also needed help checking what benefits she could claim.

Published: 13/03/2020

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She was struggling with personal care but didn’t have a care package in place. She also needed aids and adaptations to help her live more independently.

There were also outstanding repairs in her home, and she needed help understanding how to get them fixed.

How we supported Gemma

• We helped her access adult social care and occupational therapy
• She now has a care package in place, including one hour of support each day to help with dressing, cooking, cleaning and shopping
• She was given safety equipment at home, including a bath lift, step, handrail and bed rails
• We helped her apply for Discretionary Council Tax Relief, which reduced her debt by £7,110.95
• She received a housing benefit overpayment, which put her rent account in credit – she was refunded £537
• We helped her claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – she was awarded £2,040.02
• She also received the ESA Severe Disability Premium, which gave her an extra £3,295.40
• We worked with our repairs and surveying teams to make sure Gemma’s kitchen was fully refitted

Gemma said: “Thank you for your help with this. You don’t even know the difference this will make to my life.”

*Not resident's real name