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Anne's story

"Client has just moved in with partner and took a while for ESA to be paid. Borrowed £400.00 from a loan shark last month. he wants £900.00 back. Phones continually. Partner got 1st payment of DLA yesterday & loan shark took all of it. I told her not to tell him she's getting food vouchers or he'll take food too. Gave her illegal money lending team card and strongly suggested she phones them - they can protect her as well as stop the harrassment. Her partner does not seem keen to do this as he's afraid of the threats."

Thank you to Anne for sharing her story, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and recorded it on her behalf.

Hannah's story

"Client and disabled husband on ESA. Client works 10 hours per week. Someone reported husband as working so ESA and tax credits stopped on 9 Feb (housing benefit wasn't). Social worker found out & spoke to DWP who said there was no case to answer but benefits couldn't be restarted until 16/2. Client will also talk to housing benefit in case they get told of the stoppage."

Thank you to Hannah for sharing her story, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and wrote it down on her behalf.

Alison's story

"Client has lived at Riverside property for 20 years. 4 Children now left home and is a single person in 3 bed house. Has rent arrears of £1K, lives on ESA. Happy to move to 1 bed property but not allowed to go on the transfer list because she has arrears. Refused DHP in Nov 15 as she had 53p per week more than allowed. New form submitted by P3."

Thank you to Alison for sharing her experience, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and recorded it on her behalf.

Linda's story

"Claim for Universal Credit - 31/12/15 - 1st payment due 17/2. One-off  payment of £70.00 in January. Not aware that council tax not part of  UC. £300+ arrears - bailiffs arrived. Housing officer fro Plus Dane is trying to get arrears wiped off. Rent officer from Plus Dane helping with housing benefit (rent being taken direct). Arrears on tax credit £250.00 because of UC - will be seeing P3 for help. Rent arrears due to gap between JSA and UC benefit. Single parent of 4 children, ages 16, 12, 11 and 9."

Thank you to Linda for sharing her experience, and thank you to the volunteer who listened and wrote it down on her behalf.

Kate's story

"Was on ESA. Became fitter & was put on Universal Credit. Didn't realise tax credits, housing benefit & council tax benefit would stop. Last payment New Year's Eve apart from £70.00 advanced payment last week. Has 4 children aged from 9 - 16. Not due to get full payment until February & can't have further advance payment. School meals have been stopped along with other benefits."

Thank you to Kate for sharing her experience, and to the volunteer who listened and recorded it on her behalf.