We Are Group is dedicated to helping people in need, and recently, we were able to provide support to Keziban, a 77-year-old lady who was facing severe dementia and mobility issues. Through our Pound Advice service, delivered in partnership with L&Q housing association, we were able to resolve her rent arrears and improve her financial well-being.
Keziban was in a difficult financial situation, only receiving a State Pension to cover her expenses. Though she also received a Housing Benefit, it was not enough to cover her rent as a portion of it was being deducted due to her living with her adult granddaughter and great-grandchildren, a situation known as Non-Dependent Deduction.
As an L&Q resident, Keziban was able to receive free financial support from Pound Advice.
When looking into Keziban’s financial details, Pound Advice identified that some of Keziban’s rent was unpaid due to the Non-Dependent Deduction in her Housing Benefit. To ensure that she would no longer fall short in her rent payments, Pound Advice liaised with the council to request a revision of Keziban’s Housing Benefit claim.
After investigation, the council made Pound Advice aware of the information required to revise the Housing Benefit, and stated that a new Housing Benefit claim was also needed. Throughout the investigation, the Pound Advice support team kept in regular contact with Keziban’s carer, who was able to provide information to support both the new Housing Benefit claim and the Housing Benefit revision.
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Pound Advice, the council, and Keziban's carer, her Housing Benefit claim was successfully reinstated in June 2023. Not only was the claim reinstated, but it was also backdated, ensuring that Keziban received the full amount of money she had previously missed out on. This amounted to a substantial sum of £5985.01, which was paid directly into her rent account. As a result, Keziban found herself in a positive financial position with an excess of £1000 credit on her rent account, bringing immense joy to both Keziban and her carer.
Keziban, her carer, and her family were grateful for the Pound Advice service, as without the support they would not have been able to complete the Housing Benefit revision within the time limits.
We Are Group, in partnership with L&Q, are delighted to have been able to help Keziban, and are proud to have been able to make a positive impact in her life.
We understand that financial hardship can be a difficult and stressful situation to be in. With our partners, we are here to help and provide advice and support to those who need it.
If you’re an organisation interested in supporting your customers with advice and support, contact us here.
If you’re an L&Q resident looking for help with your finances, get in touch with Pound Advice.
Call Pound Advice on 020 3475 2221
Email pound@we-are-digital.co.uk
