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Real Life Stories
Richard’s Story
Redundancy and ill health leads to poverty
The Problem
Richard* was receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from his long-term employer for long-term sickness. After his employer made him redundant and the SSP ran out, he could no longer keep up with his household bills and eventually had to move into social housing. With only a bed to his name, he desperately needed help to get some furniture for his flat and a benefits check.
Our Intervention
We helped Richard to claim Employment Support Allowance and supplied food parcels while he was waiting for his benefit. We also wrote to several charities which were able to supply the funds for Richard to secure furniture for his flat.
The Outcome
Richard’s home life has improved and he has now gone back into part-time work, having recently gone into remission.
*Name changed
Fiona’s Story
Dental Malpractice
The Problem
Fiona* had a routine procedure by a newly qualified dentist go wrong. To help Fiona rectify the situation, the Dental Practice referred her to a specialist endodontist who offered an initial consultation. However Fiona could not afford this treatment and felt very strongly that the Dental Practice should pay, for what she saw, as their mistake.
Our Intervention
We helped Fiona to draft a formal complaint to the Practice asking them to accept liability and fund the corrective treatment. Her letter asked for a quick turnaround given that she was experiencing much discomfort.
The Outcome
The Dental Practice accepted liability for the corrective treatment up to the value of £1,500.
*Name changed
Sandra’s Story
Unfairly dismissed by an administration error
The Problem
Sandra* went on a pre-authorised family holiday immediately following a period of sick leave. When she returned from holiday and discovered letters from her employer saying she had been dismissed, she was shocked and could not understand what she had done wrong. Her employer claimed she had failed to attend a disciplinary meeting and to contact them when her sick note had expired.
Our Intervention
Our Employment Specialist helped Sandra put a case together for Unfair Dismissal making two specific points. One was that her employer had sent the dismissal letters to the wrong address. The resulting delay meant that she was unable to act in the time period specified and furthermore, she was away on a pre-arranged holiday. Secondly, she did not know she was supposed to contact her employer at the end of the sick-leave period before going on holiday. Furthermore we also helped Sandra to claim Job Seekers Allowance during the period of the case, as she had no source of income.
The Outcome
Following our intervention, Sandra’s employer agreed to reinstate her job and award her full ‘back-dated’ earnings. Sandra can now get back to a normal life without stress and anxiety.
*Name changed
Steve’s Story
Facing the prospect of bankruptcy
The Problem
Steve* was a self-employed Director of a successful business for many years. When his business fell on hard times and began operating at a loss, his take home pay fluctuated to such an extent that he was no longer able to manage his significant credit card debts, and he faced the prospect of bankruptcy.
Our Intervention
In the first instance we wrote on Steve’s behalf to his creditors asking them to suspend any further action and freeze interest for a one month period. We looked at Steve’s domestic and financial circumstances and drew up a financial statement to decide on the best course of action. As Steve was still taking a small salary from his business and able to manage small monthly payments on his debts, we recommended that he consider an IVA (Independent Voluntary Arrangement). We referred Steve to Planplan who provide free specialist debt management. They organised a 5 year contract with renegotiated lower, monthly payments with all of Steve’s creditors. Any monies not paid by the end of the 5 year contract would be written off.
The Outcome
Steve is now able to manage his money, safe in the knowledge that his debts are being repaid every month at a level which ensures he can live within his means.
*Name changed
David’s Story
Appealing a DLA rejection
The Problem
David* and his wife had put all their life savings, including their house, into their own business. When David became ill the business began to suffer, they lost everything and had to move into private rented accommodation, living on benefits. David’s wife took a part-time job around caring for her husband, to supplement their income. When his condition worsened and his need for care increased, David put in an application for Disability Living Allowance. However when this was rejected, their situation became desperate.
Our Intervention
David needed constant help and supervision; he was unable to travel, cook or take a bath or shower for fear of drowning or injuring himself. Furthermore his doctor had signed him ‘unfit for work’ for 2 years. We helped David prepare for a tribunal to appeal the decision.
The Outcome
The HM Courts and Tribunals Service accepted his appeal and awarded David back-dated DLA. David’s wife is now able to cut back on some of her part-time hours to care for her husband, thus reducing their stress and anxiety.
*Name changed
Rob’s Story
Terminally ill man threatened with housing repossession
The Problem
Rob* took out a secured loan on his family home some years before he was diagnosed with a degenerative condition, leaving him severely disabled and unable to work. When his wife could no longer hold down her job whilst caring for him, the couple were unable to meet the loan repayments.
Safe in the knowledge that the secured loan included Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) which would take care of the matter it was a huge shock to discover that the PPI payments had been stopped. Without warning arrears had built up on the loan and Rob and his wife were being threatened with court action to take repossession of their home.
Our Intervention
We spoke to the creditors to explain their situation and delayed the court action. After getting proof of his employment status from HMRC we were able to reinstate the repayments and clear the arrears. Furthermore we discovered that the PPI policy had in fact been miss-sold and did not cover the full-term of the loan.
The Outcome
We obtained compensation for PPI miss-selling and Rob and his wife were offered a full refund. They are now able to feel secure in the knowledge that the loan will no longer cause stress and anxiety.
*Name changed
Client A’s Story
Single parent working part time and facing eviction due to rent arrears.
The Problem
Client is a single parent working part time and receiving some benefits. Client had a number of debts, including council tax and was facing eviction due to rent arrears.
Our Intervention
CA Ash determined that the client was not receiving the correct amount of benefits and challenged these, as well as successfully applying for discretionary payments for the client.
The Outcome
Client’s rent account is now in credit and they are no longer facing eviction. The client’s council tax account is also now clear and the Client is now in a position to consider other/additional work.
*Name changed
Client B’s Story
Client struggling to cope with debts in excess of £7,000.
The Problem
Client is a vulnerable single parent with a child with special needs. Client was struggling to cope with debts in excess of £7,000.
Our Intervention
CA Ash made a number of home visits to support the client. Disability benefits were applied for both the client and the child, resulting in an increase in income. CA Ash liaised with all creditors while the new benefits were applied for. Application successfully made for a charitable grant to cover the Debt Relief Order fee
The Outcome
Client successfully applied for a DRO to clear their debts. Client now in a financially better position.
*Name changed
Client C’s Story
Client wants to know how to get a Blue Badge.
The Problem
Client suffers from mobility issues and struggles to walk very far. Client wanted to know how to get a Blue Badge.
Our Intervention
CA Ash successfully helped the client make an application for a Blue Badge.
The Outcome
Client now has a blue badge, giving them much greater mobility and enabling the client to go out and socialise more.
*Name changed
Client D’s Story
Client was in the middle of disciplinary and grievance action at work.
The Problem
Client was having difficulties at work and was in the middle of disciplinary and grievance action. Client did not know what to do and seeking information on how to respond their employer’s action.
Our Intervention
CA Ash explored the client’s employment situation, contacted ACAS for specialist advice and offered the client a free appointment with a local employment solicitor, who advised the client of the options available to them.
The Outcome
Client now has a much better understanding of their rights and is in a much better position to decide what to do next.
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