The situation
She was 27 weeks pregnant and living in temporary accommodation with her husband and their young daughter when her midwife referred her to Hope 4U. Money worries had been picked up at a booking appointment: the family were struggling to afford food, their energy supply was at risk because of missed payments, and they were carrying around £1,600 of council tax arrears. She lives with several health conditions, including problems with her hands and wrists, anaemia and migraines, and neither she nor her husband was able to work. Universal Credit and Child Benefit were the household's only income, and they hadn't accessed the wider support they were entitled to.
How we helped
Our adviser carried out a full benefit check. It was clear she was likely eligible for Personal Independence Payment, so we explained the application and helped her complete the form with GP evidence. We explained that a PIP award could also make her husband eligible for Carer's Allowance and gave guidance on claiming Child Benefit for the new baby. Alongside the benefits work, we identified a reduced water tariff through the Severn Trent Big Difference Scheme, referred the family to StepChange to deal with the council tax arrears, arranged a food bank voucher, registered the household on the Priority Services Register and provided energy-saving advice.
The difference it made
More than £22,000 of annual financial support was identified from that single referral: Personal Independence Payment, Carer's Allowance the Universal Credit child element and carer element Child Benefit for the new baby, a water tariff saving and energy-efficiency advice. The real power was in the knock-on effect: securing PIP didn't just add income, it unlocked further entitlements for the whole household at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. Combined with debt support, a lower water bill and food and energy help, the family received a complete package of support when they needed it most.
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