Clair Christie and Jocelyn McConnell have helped hundreds of customers to maximise their income. From checking what benefits customers are entitled to and assisting with applications to providing debt advice and applying for grants, their service has become a lifeline for many customers.

They recently helped a customer who has been a tenant since 2006. Suffering from mental health problems he has struggled to engage with Housing Officers throughout the years. This led him to accrue arrears, as well as having issues with his benefits.

He was first referred to our money advice service when his housing officer noticed that he was living very minimally. Jocelyn met with the customer and applied for a Community Care Grant. He was awarded a carpet, clothing allowance, electric cooker, fridge freezer, home starter pack and a washing machine.

A benefit check was carried out, and it became apparent that the customer had not received any benefits since May 2014 due to him not attending a medical for Employment Support Allowance (ESA). Jocelyn helped him make a new claim for ESA, however this was initially refused. He was then assisted to claim Jobseekers Allowance while Jocelyn made an appeal for ESA. While applying for his benefits the customer received 2 Crisis Payments from the Scottish Welfare Fund as well as foodbank vouchers and gas and electricity from the Association’s nominated charity, The AQ Trust. The Affordable Warmth Officer also applied for his Warm Homes Discount of £140.

Jocelyn applied to Housing Benefit for a back date as it had been suspended from May 2014. This was awarded and £3,083 was paid which completely cleared his arrears. His account is now in credit, for the first time in years.

His appeal for ESA was finally awarded and he received a back date of benefits totalling £3,859. He was put on the highest rate of ESA and is now liaising with his Housing Officer and has fortnightly appointments with his doctor who is closely monitoring his health issues.

Our Money Advisors can help with:

• Benefit checks
• Assistance with forms
• Appeal representation
• Applying for benefit backdates
• Accessing grants and charitable funds
• Budgeting advice
• Working together to make the best financial decisions and provide information on affordable products and services
• Support and aftercare

Call Clair or Jocelyn on 01294 316784 or 01294 316775

Email [email protected]