A case study from Melville
Chris was referred to the Welfare Benefits Team by a member of Melville’s housing team after he had problems with his move to Universal Credit (UC). Chris has long-term mental health difficulties and needed urgent support after his Housing Benefit had stopped and there were issues with his UC claim.
The team looked into Chris’s health and his financial situation, identifying several benefits he was entitled to but had not yet claimed:
Universal Credit
The team found errors in Chris’s UC claim and provided intensive support to correct and complete it. This included ensuring the ill health and transitional protection elements were added. Because of this his monthly UC award was increased to £1,217.72.
Discretionary Housing Payment
The team supported Chris to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment. He received:
- A backdated payment of £103.67
- An ongoing monthly payment of £61.18
Council Tax Reduction
Chris was also helped with his application for Council Tax Reduction, receiving:
- A backdated payment of £130.48
- An ongoing monthly reduction of £80.77
Adult Disability Payment
Due to significant physical and mental health conditions, the team helped Chris apply for Adult Disability Payment. He was awarded the enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility. He received:
- A backdated payment of £2,811.75
- An ongoing monthly payment of £812.28
This helped reduce the financial pressure caused by his health needs.
Outcome
With tailored support from the Welfare Benefits Team, Chris received all the financial support he was entitled to during a very difficult period. The intervention helped prevent unnecessary hardship, improve his financial stability and reduce stress during the move to Universal Credit.
As a result of the support provided, his monthly income increased to £2,171.95 and he received £3,045.90 in backdated payments, giving him greater financial security and peace of mind while managing significant health issues.