Jennifer’s story: support with housing and benefits helped make family life better

Date published: 20th March 2015

Mother of two Jennifer suffered from depression and had moved home to Fife to be nearer her mother, who cares for them. The housing she was in had no carpets and the children’s room had no furniture with the exception of one bed. Much of Jennifer’s benefits were being spent on heating the family home and she had accrued debts due to the “Bedroom Tax“, a charge for under occupying accommodation.

On meeting with one of our trained advisers, Jennifer was helped to apply for a Community Care Grant and Discretionary Housing Payment. The grant application was successful, meaning she could get carpets for all 4 rooms, bedroom furniture for the children and curtains and curtain poles for the bedrooms. The discretionary housing payment was also awarded, so Jennifer no longer had to pay the bedroom tax. She was also referred to our Healthy Heating Project for help reducing her fuel bills.

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