Posted 24/08/2022

Swan’s Welfare Benefits team support customer with rent arrears

Swan’s Welfare Benefits team provides advice and support to help customers understand the benefits system. They offer advice and assistance to customers that is specific to their circumstances, whether it’s about applying for welfare benefits, managing their budget, or dealing with debt.

The following case study shows how this dedicated support service makes a difference to our customers.

Miss O contacted a member of our Welfare Benefits team after she received arrears letters because her full rent was not being paid and she owed money on her rent account. She was struggling financially and asked for help from Swan.

Unable to work due to her health, she was receiving less money than she needed to pay her rent.

A member of our Welfare Benefits team completed a benefits check and was able to support her to make a claim for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). This can be a long process and they helped her to complete the application form and gather supporting evidence to provide to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Despite being rejected twice, the team continued to appeal and eventually Miss O was awarded PIP, which was backdated. She was also assisted to access a severe disability premium, and Discretionary Housing Benefit Payment (DHP) to clear her arrears.

Total benefits received:

• SDP £67.30 per week – backdate £2624.70
• PIP £59.70 a week – backdate £2211.68
• DHP £14.20 a week for 52 weeks

Miss O said: “I just want to say thank you so much for all your help. Getting PIP has been a life changer for me without you I would have not been able to achieve this, I can’t thank you enough”.

Most people will face a financial difficulty at some point, and we are here to support you in finding a solution. If you need assistance, contact our Welfare Benefits team on 0300 3030 2500 or email benefits@swan.org.uk – we’re here to help!