Customer Feedback

Here are some good news stories from customers who were intially reluctant to take part in the Benefit Uptake Programme.

By doing so, they found that the amount of money they were getting each week increased, despite already being on various benefits.

A client and partner getting State Pension and Attendance Allowance contacted Strabane CAB. A benefit check found that both had an underlying entitlement to Carers Allowance. As a result State Pension Credit of £553.80 and Housing Benefit for their rates of £600.08 was awarded; generating an additional annual income of £1,153.88 for the couple.
A widowed client from Ballymena suffered severe mobility problems. She was getting State Pension Credit of £23.94. She owned her own home and received full housing benefit for rates. As part of a benefit check, a home visit was carried out to assist the client with completion of an Attendance Allowance form. The client was subsequently awarded high rate Attendance Allowance of £71.40 per week, which increased her State Pension Credit by a further £53.65 per week. This resulted in an additional weekly income for the client of £125.05 per week or £6,502.26 a year.
A client from Newry was referred to his local CAB for a benefit entitlement check. He was aged over 65 and lived alone. The client suffered from diabetes and other conditions. Entitlement to Attendance Allowance was identified and the client was assisted with the claim forms. The client was subsequently awarded £47.80 per week. As a result of this entitlement he got State Pension Credit of £61.88. Overall the client was better off by £109.68 per week, £5,703.36 annually.