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Case Study: Ms K

The applicant has applied with the help of her advisor at Citizens Advice Wirral. She lives with her partner and non-dependent son and she receives Universal Credit whilst her partner is employed part time. Her non-dependent son is disabled and contributes £100 per month towards the household income.

The advisor shares the applicant has always been in receipt of low income but tried her best to manage her outgoings. She explained that she began to experience financial hardship when she was migrated from Tax Credits to Universal Credit.

The applicant was employed, until very recently, on a part-time basis and because she would take overtime opportunities she was not entitled to transitional protection when her Universal Credit payments started. As a result, she was worse off by around £650.00 per month. Since then, she has struggled to afford basic essentials and has fallen behind with her Council Tax and water bills.

The advisor explained that when her benefit entitlement was reduced, she pleaded with her employment for more work due to her financial circumstances. Unfortunately, she lost her job soon after and is extremely anxious about her future.

The applicant is hoping to find work but is now suffering with poor mental health, which she has struggled with for some time. The stress and anxiety caused by losing her job, debt and financial situation has had an adverse impact on her health.

The applicant has been paying what she can afford towards her water bill to prevent the arrears from accruing further. The advisor shares it has been a very difficult time for her client, financially and personally.

A decision has been made to approve a grant to bring her water charges up to date. This will help relieve some of the stress and worry that the debt has been causing and allow her to focus on her ongoing payments. The applicant is already on Back on Track with no change to banding.

Outcome: Water grant approved of £379.28