benefits and a bed … support for family at crucial time

A grandad was able to give his teenage granddaughter the space and stability she needed at an important stage in her studies, with support from believe housing.

The two of them were so grateful they wanted to share their story, but to protect the family’s privacy we’ve changed their names.

John’s granddaughter Lauren was sleeping on a mattress on the floor, in a busy house full of younger siblings, while studying for her GCSEs.

John knew she needed her own space and he had a spare bedroom, so she moved in with him.

But John hasn’t had an easy life. He’s suffered with addiction and mental health problems and cannot read or write. He just didn’t know the best way to manage his household for himself and Lauren.

Sarah Taylor, a Money Matters Advisor from believe housing, stepped in to provide the emotional and practical support John needed to sort out his finances.

She even got Lauren her own bed which enabled Lauren to get plenty of rest before her exams (which she aced) and the weekly child benefit award will support her through college.

John said: “Sarah came in and it was like a pile of bricks was lifted off my shoulders, she was amazing.”

John was in receipt of housing benefit and because he hadn’t told Durham County Council Lauren was living with him, was still subject to the under-occupancy charge. When Sarah discovered this, she wrote to the council and had the under-occupancy charge removed.

After exploring John’s circumstances Sarah identified other ways he could be supported. John would be better off claiming Universal Credit and Sarah assisted him to make a claim, alongside claiming child benefit claim for his granddaughter. Lauren received a backdated payment child benefit payment of £320 which will help to buy clothing and school equipment. Sarah also helped John claim his £175 council tax rebate and apply for a water rates reduction.

The stability has allowed Lauren to apply for part-time jobs for extra money and she has already had interviews.

John’s now in a much better financial position, and he’s making regular payments to reduce his rent arrears.

Because John has mental health problems, Sarah went with him to Job Centre appointments, as these appointments can make him anxious and upset. Sarah also referred John to Wellbeing for Life, an NHS service offering a range of support.

John said: “I knew there was help out there, but I didn’t know how to get it, I couldn’t even afford credit on my phone to ring anyone. I really wanted to help my granddaughter, so she had the best chance at school and college, she’s bright and talented and she’s doing great now.

“I’d tell anyone who feels like they need help to ask for and accept it, it has made a massive difference to us not just in terms of the money, but my mental health is way better now too.”

Lauren said: “Before I moved in with my grandad and had my own room, and bed, I was exhausted, I couldn’t concentrate or hear myself think. The help we’ve had really has been amazing and I’m so grateful, people really shouldn’t be afraid to reach out for help.”

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