The situation
An older couple were referred to us through Community Gateway. The husband lives with asthma, angina and long-standing spine problems that make everyday tasks difficult, and his wife is his main carer, helping him to shower and dress. Despite the level of care he needed, he was only receiving Attendance Allowance at the lower rate. On top of that, the household was managing around £8,000 of credit card debt and hadn't accessed the full range of benefits available to them.
How we helped
After an initial assessment call, our adviser recognised that the husband was entitled to the higher rate of Attendance Allowance given the care his wife provides. We completed the form with them and submitted it, and the upgrade was awarded. We referred the couple to PayPlan, a free and regulated debt advice service, to deal with the credit card debt, arranged a food bank voucher and provided energy-saving guidance. We registered the husband on the Priority Services Register so the household will get extra help during any interruption to their electricity, gas or water, and made a referral to Cornwall Adult Social Care because of the difficulty he had bathing independently.
The difference it made
In total, more than £15,700 of financial benefit was secured for the household. The biggest single gain came from getting the Attendance Allowance award right, reflecting the genuine level of care the husband needs and correcting an entitlement the family didn't know they were missing. Alongside the money, they were connected to debt support, food provision, energy guidance, the Priority Services Register and adult social care, a rounded package of ongoing help rather than a one-off fix.
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