Background
Housing staff referred an elderly lady in her eighties, who lived alone and received a state pension, an occupation pension and partial housing benefit.
She had an illness and disability but was not getting a disability benefit. She was having difficulties paying the shortfall in her rent.
Our Welfare Advice Officer visited the tenant and discussed her options in the comfort of her own home. They assisted her to apply for Attendance Allowance (AA).
Outcome
She was awarded Attendance Allowance at £87.65 per week.
Further to this our Welfare Advice Officer supported her to successfully receive Pension Credit.
As she was now in receipt of Pension Credit, her Housing Benefit increased to cover the full cost of her weekly rent.
Due to the support received from our Welfare Advice Officer, the tenant is now receiving an additional £152.65 per week.