Luke's Story

"Luke was on Disability Living Allowance. This changed to Personal Independence Payment and the lady that assessed Luke said that it would only take a week to 10 days for the change. 10 months later he was still waiting.  

Luke only receives £72 a fortnight from Employment and Support Allowance.  He has depression and cancer and has been in and out of hospital.  Both SA and DIAL house has been involved to try and chase this situation up but Luke keeps being told it is being dealt with."

Thanks Luke for sharing your story with West Cheshire Foodbank.

Celia's Story

"Currently homeless or staying in B&B. On ESA but all money goes on B&B (£500/wk). Partner claimed PIP (Personal Independence Payment) 4 weeks ago but was told it would take 26 weeks for a decision to be made. Partner has type 2 diabetes and mental health issues. Have to leave B&B at 10am and not allowed back until evening. Have 15 year old son. Housing Solutions team will contact client regarding accomodation."

Thank you to Celia for sharing her story with us and to the volunteer who wrote this down on her behalf.

Elizabeth's Story

"I had a diagnosis of cancer at the end of January. Due to a change in benefits plus payments being taken directly from what little benefits we have left, we were left living on £20 a fortnight. I was told that the PIP (Personal Independence Payment) I applied for at the start of February could take up to 6 months to be processed. Most weeks it had been a choice of heat or eat, we're thankful it's getting warmer. Even my partner can't be classed as a carer until the PIP payment is sorted out."

Thank you so much to Liz for sharing her story.