Tommy visited us at a food bank as he was no longer able to afford food.
Tommy was not receiving any benefits and after paying his rent and council tax. Tommy was left with only £170 per month to meet his other costs. Tommy explained that due to the rising costs for energy and food he had used all of his savings to pay for the shortfalls in his bills and is so fearful that his energy may be cut off that he has ensured that he pays for his energy and is going without food to do it, becoming dependent on food banks and family and friends to eat.
After looking into the client’s circumstances we discovered that there was a small entitlement to Guaranteed Pension Credit of just over £4 per week, whilst this makes little difference to Tommy’s day to day living, it entitled him to full Housing Benefit and full Council Tax Reduction, saving him £675 per month.
Being in receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit also allowed Tommy to apply for the Warm Home Discount of £150, which will save him money on his energy bills.
Tommy is now able to afford his bills, pay for food and can start to replenish his savings. Tommy was relieved that he was able to see through the winter months without having to worry about turning on his heating and where his next meal is coming from.
