As part of our Reaching Out campaign Dorset Citizens Advice tell us how they helped a local resident:
When Janet* approached Citizens Advice for help she was very distressed. She was self-employed and the COVID-19 pandemic meant she had been unable to work for several months.
Janet lived with her three children in private rented accommodation and, due to the drop in her income, she had fallen behind with the rent and her landlord was threatening to evict her.
She was worried about her seriously ill daughter, as well as her difficult financial situation.
We helped Janet apply to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and she received payment from the Government.
We also discussed her options regarding benefits – whether to remain on legacy benefits or move to Universal Credit and the impact this would have on her financial situation.
We helped Janet apply for Disability Living Allowance for her daughter and a carers allowance. Janet remained on Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit and the addition of the disabled element meant these benefits increased significantly.
We also helped Janet ensure she had the best deal for her water, electricity and gas.
When we finished working with Janet, she was safe and secure in permanent accommodation with her income increased to ensure she could pay her bills. This reduced her stress and enabled her to focus on looking after her seriously ill daughter.
Janet said: “When I came to you I was in a dark place, very low and crying a lot, I’m none of those now – I feel empowered and like someone really did care.”
*Name changed to protect identity.
Help is available now
If you are struggling financially because of COVID-19, specialist advisers can help you with immediate problems and help plan for the longer term.
Call the Dorset Citizens Advice Adviceline on Freephone 0800 144 8848 or see more about the support available at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/reaching-out.
PLEASE SUPPORT US FOR JUST £2 A MONTH
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