Patricia's Story

"Single person has been in a 3 bedroom house for 19 years. Would like to swap but has £1000 rent arrears so can't go on the list. Pays £60 out of benefits (ESA) every two weeks. No clear way out of this. Also had bailiff charges for council tax arrears. If client was allowed to swap, the rent would be less and she could pay off arrears."

Thank you so much to Patricia for sharing her story with us.

Mary's Story

"My internet provider was TalkTalk and I had to change my passcode after it was hacked. I am receiving Income Support and Child Tax Credit and when I telephoned to inform the Benefits Agency they told me that I had notified them too late and that my benefits would be late and that this would cause an overpayment which will have to be repaid."

Thank you for sharing this with us Mary.

Alun's Story

"Looking for a job and I am on Universal Credit but I have had no money for five weeks"

Thanks to Alun for sharing this with us.

Gemma's Story

"On the 5th October I was notified that my Child Tax Credits would stop. I would usually get £52 per week on a Monday which I would use to buy groceries and pay bills. I am an unemployed single parent of a 4 and a half year old child so I rely on this money and live week to week. HMRC claim I did not renew my tax credit claim on time, which I dispute and therefore making a 'late renewal' means I now have to wait at least two weeks for any payments. I have all correspondence from HMRC which confirms that I did everything I should within the time limits."

Thank you so much to Gemma for sharing her circumstances with us.

Gareth's Story - Not "Fit For Work"

"Client has lived rough for 9 months without benefit - did do some work. His GP signed him as unfit to work after 2nd stroke but has been assessed as 'fit to work'. Has appealed (filled in 52 sheets and took 2hrs with help!) Hasn't had any money since mid-December but has come here for the first time today as feels can't continue to ask friends for support."

Thank you to Gareth for sharing this with us and to the volunteer who recorded his story.

Jacob's Story

"Because my employer has not paid me for the last two months I quit. And as I am 250+ miles from family I have nobody to turn to for help. I am ever so grateful for the help I'm being given today. Many thanks."

Thank you so much to Jacob for sharig this with us.