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.

Clare's story

"I find myself and Family in the position to give Christmas to my 3 kids or pay off my landlady. This is not a good position. Homeless/Christmas. I am not proud of this. My husband tried helping our family by working for 4 weeks. He was then given the push. This we thought the rent was getting paid for these 4 weeks. But previously I have been sanctioned by DHSS. No rent was paid. We now owe £1000.00 which we pay £50.00 out of our money of £96.00. This is not out of choice. Thanks for your help."

Thank you to Clare for sharing her experiences with us.

6 weeks to wait for payment is too long...

"Had been on Universal Credit but got a job for a couple of months. Reclaimed Universal Credit on 4th September but first payment will not be until 17th October. Hadn't realised he would lose his Housing Benefit. Now owes £900 rent to [landlord]. He has agreed to pay £500 out of first Universal Credit payment. 6 weeks wait for payment is too long."

Thanks to Harry for sharing his circumstances with us and to the volunteer who listened.

Ralph's Story

"Ralph is dyslexic and cannot read or write. He lost the help of his support worker, Andrew,  who previously sorted out budgeting and other paperwork for him. He got into rent arrears, was evicted and lost his furniture to the bailiffs. He has been staying at a night shelter for approximately four months now and is still waiting for accommodation. He should be receiving Job Seekers Allowance of £70 per week in the future."

 

Thank you to Ralph for sharing his story with our volunteers, who supported him to record it.