When changes to the eligibility criteria for the winter fuel payment were announced last year, our Inclusion Team jumped into action. They knew that many of our pension-age customers could be missing out on important financial support – so they stepped in to help.
Through personalised benefit checks, the team supported many customers in identifying and claiming the benefits they were entitled to.
These included:
• Pension Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Council Tax Support
• Housing Benefit
Thanks to the team’s support, these successful applications led to a total income gain of £65,521.01. This staggering figure includes both backdated payments for the period customers waited for their claims to be processed, and the income they’ll now receive over the next 12 months thanks to increased weekly awards.
Housing Benefit awards were also reviewed, resulting in an additional £27,581.30 – a vital step in helping to reduce rent arrears and support our customers in sustaining payments for the year ahead.
But that’s not all...
Our Community Development and Inclusion Team have also been using a social value tool called HACT, which puts a financial value on the impact of our health, wellbeing, and community work. The Pension Credit Campaign alone has generated an incredible £210,013.42 in social value income.
This work has made a real difference in our customers’ lives and many have shared heartfelt feedback about the support they’ve received:
“Thank you for all you have done for me. I am so much better off now financially, and it is because of your help. I can't thank you enough.”
We know how confusing benefits and applications can be, which is why the team took the time to walk customers through the process step by step:
“It really is so helpful having you help me with applications and speaking to DWP over the phone. I find it very confusing, and I really appreciate what you have done. It has made a big difference for me.”
A special mention goes to Jemma Caffrey, our Inclusion Partner, who played a key role in helping customers secure their pension credit and other benefits. One customer shared:
“I am very happy and satisfied with the help and support Jemma gave me. She helped me with my Pension Credit and also with Housing Benefit, which had been stopped months ago. Now I’ve been awarded both. I just want to thank Jemma for her help - I’m truly grateful.”
This campaign has been an amazing success, and we’re incredibly proud of the passion and dedication shown by our Community Development and Inclusion teams.