Meet Colette
Colette attended our drop in service where we sat down with her and explored her circumstances.
We focused not only on what she came in for help with but a more holistic approach looking at all options available to help her.
We discovered that one of her children was receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and was waiting for a diagnosis of Autism so we were able to give advice on the benefits of an Education Health Care Plan. We provided information on Luton Sendias service and made her aware that it is a free, impartial and confidential service for parents, providing guidance and information about EHCP applications, school support and meetings.
She expressed the impact of the cost of school uniforms and how it was difficult to afford items of clothing for the children’s school. We told her about Level Trust who support families in Luton with help for school uniforms.
We also explained that the family may be entitled to help from Healthy Start to get healthy food and milk for their youngest child.
We advised her to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment for help with their rent shortfall and the Water Sure tariff to cap their water bills as well as going onto the Priority Services Register with her utility supplier.
We completed a benefit check which identified that Colette may be entitled to the Disabled Child Element of Universal Credit. With adviser support we submitted a change of circumstances via her UC journal to confirm their child was in receipt of Child DLA. We also advised on Carer’s Allowance and the impact that claiming this would have on her finances.
As a result of our support and assistance Colette is now expected to receive an increase of £495.87 per month in her Universal Credit award, equating to an estimated £5,950.44 annually. This ongoing financial gain ensures their entitlement better reflects their caring responsibilities and their disabled child’s needs, significantly improving their household income.
Our advice enabled Colette to maximise her family’s income by identifying many additional benefits and benefits in kind that they were not previously receiving and supporting them to take action to secure it. We also signposted a family member to Luton Adult Learning for free ESOL classes to help them improve their language skills and be able to contribute more towards supporting and caring for the family.