Case Studies
Below are five case studies from our free weekly advice and guidance sessions
Case Study 1
Case study: Income Maximisation through Benefits - Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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The story of Mr Ali
Background
Mr. Ali is a 50 year old man, married with four children. He was struggling financially after suffering severe mental health and losing his full-time job. Mr. Ali was finding it very difficult to make meet ends and to pay bills, mortgage, and necessities which also made his health condition worse. He worried that he was going to go into debt arrears and was scared he wasn't going to be able to pay for things without a job.
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Challenges:
Mr. Ali was unaware of the full range of support he was entitled to. He had only applied for Universal Credit but didn’t realise he was eligible for additional help. Mr Ali’s income remained low and was always stressed about his finances.
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Intervention
Mr. Ali came to Saathi House seeking help as he was refused Personal independence Payment and was told by his wife that we may be able to help him to reapply. After reviewing his application and the decision made, we could see the application was not correctly completed, and reassured him that we would help him to reapply.
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Action Taken:
We completed a full benefits check and explained to Mr. Ali he was eligible for several unclaimed benefits such as Council Tax reduction, the Big Difference scheme for his water charges and Carers Allowance.
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Outcome:
Within five months, Mr Ali saw a £900.00 monthly increase in his newly awarded benefits, he was awarded the higher rate of Personal independence payment for the care component and mobility component meaning he no longer needs to pay for his road tax for six years. His wife was awarded Carers Allowance, his water bill was reduced to £3.00 monthly and also received the cost of living payment of £200.00.
Impact:
Mr Ali can now meet his financial commitments each month. He has reduced stress and anxiety, his mental health and wellbeing has also improved and is looking forward to getting better so he can find a better paying job.
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Quote from Mr. Ali
“I had no idea how much support was available. Thank you for all your support, for answering and replying back to all messages right away, and for helping me with all the applications, by coming to the right person and getting the right advice has changed everything for me and my wife, the job centre no longer asks my wife to attend appointments which was very hard as we were spending so much money on taxi fares and for making me feel better you are always in my prayers thank you again and again.”
Case Study 2
Mrs Khanum's Successful Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Claim.
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Background
Mrs. Khanum is a 60-year-old Bangladeshi woman whose first language is not English, who lives with her daughter who is her full-time carer. In 2022, she suffered a major heart attack and was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia and hypertension. Her conditions cause chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health challenges, which significantly affect her daily life and mobility.
Situation:
Over the years Mrs Khanum found it increasingly difficult to manage everyday tasks such as cooking dressed, attending appointments, and using public transport. Despite support from her GP and local support groups, her conditions impacted her independence and well–being.
Mrs Khanum's daughter approached Saathi House to find out if there was any help and support available to help make the application for PIP for extra costs associated with her disability.
Application Process:
Mrs Khanum was offered an appointment at Saathi House. After a full benefit calculation and going through all her medical evidence the advisor called the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and requested an application form.
The PIP form was completed and details of her conditions were stated and the effects and medication list, appointment records, and supporting letters from her GP and hospital were sent off with the application.
Assessment:
Mrs. Khanum was invited to a telephone assessment due to COVID–related adjustments. She wanted the advisor from Saathi House present to help with translating during the assessment. The health professionals asked about her typical day, focusing on tasks like preparing food, washing, dressing, and going out. Mrs. Khanum explained that she needed help preparing meals due to pain in her hands and fatigue. She avoided going out alone because of panic attacks, and her sleep was disrupted, leaving her exhausted.
Outcome:
Nine weeks later, Mrs. Khanum received a letter confirming she had been awarded PIP with the daily living component – standard rate. Her award was granted for three years, with a review scheduled at the end of that period.
Impact:
The PIP award provided Mrs. Khanum with the financial support she needed to cover travel costs for medical appointments and access therapy that the NHS did not fully fund. Mrs. Khanum said, “PIP has made a huge difference. It is not just about the money but about feeling recognised and less alone. I am so grateful to Saathi House for supporting me and helping me through this journey and application, which I would not have succeeded in without reaching out. Thank you so much for the help.”
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Case Study 3
Support through the Severn Trent Big Difference Scheme
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Background:
Mr. Ali is a 66–year–old man living in Aston, Birmingham, with his family. He was made redundant after 30 years of working in a warehouse and was forced into early retirement due to a back injury and ongoing arthritis. Since then, he has been living on a fixed income from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Despite careful budgeting, Mr. Ali found it increasingly challenging to keep up with household bills, especially as energy and food prices continued to rise. He began falling behind on his Severn Trent water bill, which added to his financial stress. **
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Discovery of the Scheme:
Mr. Ali's wife attended a workshop on reducing bills and debt support at Saathi House. She then booked an appointment for her husband to meet with one of the advisors to learn more about the Big Difference Scheme – a Severn Trent program that offers eligible customers up to 90% off their water charges, based on household income.
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Application Process:
Mr. Ali applied through the Big Difference Scheme portal, managed by Severn Trent in partnership with Auriga Services. He provided his latest Severn Trent account number, proof of income (ESA and PIP award letters), and a bank statement showing regular living expenses. The application process was simple and took about 15 minutes. He received email confirmation shortly thereafter.
Outcome:
Within two weeks, Mr. Ali received a letter confirming his acceptance into the Big Difference Scheme. Based on his income, he was granted an 85% discount on his annual water bill, reducing it from £ 400 to around £ 60 per year, paid in manageable monthly instalments.
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Impact:
The scheme eased Mr. Ali's financial pressure and allowed him to manage other costs, such as heating and food. He was also referred to additional support through Severn Trent's Priority Services Register, ensuring he'd receive extra help during service interruptions due to his medical condition.
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Mr. Ali's Quote of Appreciation:
“This scheme has lifted a weight off my shoulders. It's helped me feel happier, and I can afford necessary items like food for my children. I didn’t' t even know help like this existed. I am so glad my wife received this information. Thank you, Saathi House, and thank you to the advisor for your help; it has made a huge difference to my health and well-being as I am not as stressed anymore about where to find the money to pay for the bill.”
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Case Study 4
Mrs Begum's Carers Allowance Journey:
Background:
Mrs. Begum is a 54-year-old woman living in Lozells, Birmingham. She has been working part–time as a sales assistant while also caring for her mother, who was diagnosed with heart disease and mental health issues six years ago.
Her mum’s condition worsened as she needed increasing support with everyday activities like washing, dressing, eating, taking medication, and attending medical appointments. Mrs. Begum was providing more than 35 hours a week of care, often before and after work shifts.
Eventually, she had to reduce her work hours, which significantly affected the household income. Concerned about their financial situation and in debt, Mrs. Begum reached out to Saathi House for help and support with her debt and support for unpaid carers.
Applying for Carer's Allowance and Debt Relief
The advisor at Saathi House completed a full benefits calculation and reviewed all her outstanding debts on her credit cards and consumer bills. She arranged monthly payments to minimise expenses through the GOV.UK website and applied for Carer's Allowance online, as her mum was receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with the daily living component.
Her weekly earnings after tax expense were under the £139.00 per week earnings threshold (as of 2024 rates). She was not in full-time education and had no immigration restrictions, and was able to apply for Carers Allowance. Evidence of her working hours and wages was provided and confirmed the level of care she was providing.
Outcome:
A few weeks later, Mrs Begum received a letter confirming her Carer's Allowance award of £81.90 per week (2024 rate). The payments were backdated to the day after she submitted her application.
Mrs Begum was awarded National Insurance Credits, helping protect her state pension entitlement.
Impact:
The Carers Allowance gave her a modest financial boost and helped her to take her mum on a weekend break to London to see London Bridge which her mum always wanted to see. She also registered for additional support where she now receives emotional support and free respite opportunities for herself every two weeks.
Mrs Begums quote
“Carer's Allowance has made a real difference – it's not just about money; it's how I made a difference for my mum and was able to do something she always wanted. I am so grateful to Saathi House and the advice worker for helping me through this application. If it were not for her, I would never have been able to fulfil my mother's wishes and dreams. I am always grateful and hope that one day I too can make an impact and help Saathi House when needed. Thank you!
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Case Study 5
The Ahmed Family – support through the Warm Welcome space and the Community Food Bank.
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Background:
The Ahmed family and their four children aged 3-12 years old live in Handsworth, Birmingham. Mr Ahmed works part-time as a taxi driver and is also a carer for his disabled daughter, and faced financial hardship. Due to caring for his daughter, he was not always able to seek new work to cover rising rent, bills and food costs. With four children to feed, Mr Ahmed and his wife skipped meals so that the children had enough food to eat.
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Accessing Support:
A Family Liaison Officer at their children’s primary school referred them to Saathi House, a grassroots organisation supporting vulnerable families. Mr Ahmed was sent to Saathi House and was told to ask for the Manager. He visited on the same day and the volunteers and staff welcomed him with open arms. Without any judgement, they provided him with two weeks of essentials including items such as tinned food, pasta, rice, chapati flour, beans, biscuits, oil and toiletries for the family.
Impact on the Family:
Immediate relief was recognised as the food bags allowed him to manage his remaining income on rent and heating without the pressure of choosing between food and bills. His wife would come weekly with Mr Ahmed and explain how the emotional support, compassion, and dignity shown by the staff members and Managers helped them both reduce their anxiety. “It was not about the food but the love and affection we always receive”.
Mr Ahmed explains how stability for the children with food and meals always at home has impacted their children’s concentration levels at school and attendance. Their teachers have also noticed the overall impact and differences in their health and wellbeing; the children are looking more nourished and happier.
Mr Ahmed was also supported by Saathi House to apply for the Carer's Allowance as he cares for his disabled daughter. His application was successful, with an extra income for him and his family. His wife volunteers once a week at Saathi House as a way of giving back and is looking for work. She also registered for the Employability course and received help with creating an updated CV.
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Quote from the Ahmed’s Family:
“Saathi House has given us as family the chance to live life again and be happy we are so grateful to them and all their support from everyone. We are always recommending other people to Saathi House to come to and reach out for help a place where you're not judged and welcomed with open arms. Myself and my family always pray for everyone and wishing everyone a better future with ongoing success so you can help many many more people like us in the same situation to get them back on their feet. We are very grateful and always will be, thank you!”