When Benjamin was referred to Citizens Advice Harlow by his GP, he was facing one of the most uncertain periods of his life.

Benjamin’s story:

Client Profile 

Benjamin lives with his wife in their mortgaged home. For many years he had been the household’s only earner, but a series of serious and worsening health conditions meant he could no longer continue working. As his health deteriorated, the possibility of returning to employment became increasingly unrealistic. 

His situation at home had also changed dramatically. Benjamin now relied heavily on his wife, who had become his full-time carer. While they were managing day-to-day life as best they could, the looming risk of losing his job created intense anxiety. With a mortgage and essential household bills to pay, Benjamin feared what would happen if his income stopped. 

Reason for Seeking Advice 

The stress of the situation began to take a significant toll on Benjamin’s wellbeing. Concerned about the impact on his mental and physical health, he visited his GP. and as part of the patient’s prescribed treatment plan, the GP referred him to Citizens Advice Harlow through the Advice in GP surgeries project, where accredited advice is provided as part of the treatment pathway to help tackle the wider social determinants of health. 

At the time of the referral, Benjamin was on the verge of losing his job and was deeply worried about how he and is wife would manage financially without his income. 

How We Helped 

At his first appointment, a Citizens Advice adviser carried out a comprehensive benefits check to identify the financial support Benjamin might be entitled to. Based on his circumstances, the adviser explained that he could potentially claim: 

• Universal Credit (UC) 

• Council Tax Support (CTS) 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

Benjamin returned the following week for further support. By this point, he had unfortunately lost his job. With his income now gone, it was crucial to act quickly. 

Our adviser supported Benjamin step-by-step through the process of applying for the benefits he was eligible for. This included: 

• Submitting applications to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) 

• Helping him complete a detailed application for Personal Independence Payment 

• Explaining the evidence needed to support his claim 

• Ensuring all relevant information about his health conditions and care needs was clearly recorded 

Given Benjamin’s ongoing medical conditions and the extent of his care needs, the application process was challenging and exhausting for him. Having an adviser guide him through the paperwork and requirements made the process far more manageable. 

The Outcome 

The support made a significant difference to Benjamin’s financial stability. 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Successfully awarded, providing just under £10,000 per year. 

• Universal Credit: £351.93 per month. 

• Council Tax Support: £111.06 per month. 

• Support for Mortgage Interest: £2.44 per month. 

From having no financial support at all, Benjamin is now receiving a stable income that helps cover essential living costs and eases the pressure on his household. 

Impact 

The financial support has given Benjamin and his wife greater security at a time when they needed it most. With the immediate worry about income reduced, Benjamin has been able to focus more on managing his health and adjusting to his new circumstances. 

This case highlights the vital role that early advice and collaboration between health services and Citizens Advice can play in supporting people whose financial worries are affecting their wellbeing. 

NB: Names and certain details have been changed to protect our clients’ anonymity