Stephen’s benefits were in a mess and it wasn’t his fault.

His family broke down and not long after, he suffered a bereavement. Stephen was signed off sick from work with anxiety and depression and his income eventually went right down. His child maintenance payments weren’t adjusted and so a spiral began that many people are familiar with. 

Stephen’s Universal Credit payments went wrong next, he fell behind on his rent and he couldn’t pay his other bills or buy food.

Before he knew it, he was thousands of pounds in rental debt. His housing association were reluctant to help at first, issuing him with an eviction notice. He was desperate and asked us for help.

Our homelessness prevention team swung into action. They helped Stephen talk to child maintenance services to charge him the right amount based on his actual income.

This worked and he even received a refund making his rent affordable again. We helped him apply for a grant from the Council which was successful and cleared all his arrears. The eviction notice was lifted and Stephen didn’t lose his home, which was incredible for him, and for us!