Our financial circumstances can often change rapidly, through factors out of our control. Being able to understand what we can be entitled to when we need some extra support can often be confusing, and we can end up missing out.
Karbon customers David and Emma*, recently accessed the Money Matters service, and were able to improve their financial circumstances, through several benefits, including some they didn't know they were entitled to.
David had been unable to work for many months due to mental health issues, and this had significantly impacted the household income, with only one part time income being brought in by Emma. Along with having two dependent children, and under occupying their home by one bedroom, the family were under a lot of financial stress.
Unable to work, David was referred to the Money Matters service by his living well coordinator.
The couple were identified as needing a benefit check to try and maximise their income, along with searching for any other benefits they could be entitled to.
The Money Matters caseworker supported David and Emma, through completing the Universal Credit capability for work questionnaire (UC50). This form is to understand whether the claimant is unable to work.
The case worker also identified that David was entitled to an extra benefit – Personal Independence Payments (PIP) based on their health circumstances. This also enabled Emma to apply for the carers element of Universal Credit, and the Limited Capability for Work Related activity (LCWRA) could be applied for David also.
As a result of working with Money Matters, the family were awarded LCWRA, PIP and the carers element of UC, totalling an extra income of £871 per month.
Emma said, “The Money Matters Team were brilliant – so helpful.
“We’ve been able to claim things we didn’t even know existed before speaking to money matters.
“My husband has been struggling with his health, and having the financial pressures alongside this was causing so much stress.
“Having this extra income every month is a huge relief, and we feel more comfortable financially.
“We’d recommend the Money Matters service to other customers, especially because we didn’t know what we could be entitled to.”
Lee Forrest, Money Matters Manager at Karbon Homes, said: “Benefit rules can be complicated, and the Money Matters team is trained to provide specialist advice to help customers navigate their way through the system.
“It’s great to see that these customers have been successful in working with our team, and hopefully the extra income will help to reduce the financial stress they have been under.
“We hope that by customers sharing their own experiences of accessing support, that others will have the confidence to do so too.”
If you feel in a similar situation to this customer’s story, or want to find out more about Money Matters, please contact the team at moneymatters@karbonhomes.co.uk or on 0808 164 0111. Remember, you’re not alone and the Money Matters team are here to help.
*Customers names have been changed for anonymity
Our financial circumstances can often change rapidly, through factors out of our control. Being able to understand what we can be entitled to when we need some extra support can often be confusing, and we can end up missing out.
Karbon customers David and Emma*, recently accessed the Money Matters service, and were able to improve their financial circumstances, through several benefits, including some they didn't know they were entitled to.
David had been unable to work for many months due to mental health issues, and this had significantly impacted the household income, with only one part time income being brought in by Emma. Along with having two dependent children, and under occupying their home by one bedroom, the family were under a lot of financial stress.
Unable to work, David was referred to the Money Matters service by his living well coordinator.
The couple were identified as needing a benefit check to try and maximise their income, along with searching for any other benefits they could be entitled to.
The Money Matters caseworker supported David and Emma, through completing the Universal Credit capability for work questionnaire (UC50). This form is to understand whether the claimant is unable to work.
The case worker also identified that David was entitled to an extra benefit – Personal Independence Payments (PIP) based on their health circumstances. This also enabled Emma to apply for the carers element of Universal Credit, and the Limited Capability for Work Related activity (LCWRA) could be applied for David also.
As a result of working with Money Matters, the family were awarded LCWRA, PIP and the carers element of UC, totalling an extra income of £871 per month.
Emma said, “The Money Matters Team were brilliant – so helpful.
“We’ve been able to claim things we didn’t even know existed before speaking to money matters.
“My husband has been struggling with his health, and having the financial pressures alongside this was causing so much stress.
“Having this extra income every month is a huge relief, and we feel more comfortable financially.
“We’d recommend the Money Matters service to other customers, especially because we didn’t know what we could be entitled to.”
Lee Forrest, Money Matters Manager at Karbon Homes, said: “Benefit rules can be complicated, and the Money Matters team is trained to provide specialist advice to help customers navigate their way through the system.
“It’s great to see that these customers have been successful in working with our team, and hopefully the extra income will help to reduce the financial stress they have been under.
“We hope that by customers sharing their own experiences of accessing support, that others will have the confidence to do so too.”
If you feel in a similar situation to this customer’s story, or want to find out more about Money Matters, please contact the team at moneymatters@karbonhomes.co.uk or on 0808 164 0111. Remember, you’re not alone and the Money Matters team are here to help.
*Customers names have been changed for anonymity
More news
Celebrating the good eggs in our communities
We met up with community hero Letty Davison who runs the Egg Crackers group in Chester-le-Street to find out more about the work she does.
Are you signed up for MyKarbon?
MyKarbon is a free, safe and secure online service that can be used anytime, anywhere, to manage your rent and repairs.