Helping Zoe regain stability after loss and crisis
Zoe’s story:
At 56, Zoe found herself in crisis. Following the death of her mother, she was living alone in her late mother’s council property, facing the threat of homelessness. Unemployed and receiving just £393 per month in Universal Credit, she was overwhelmed by rent arrears and council tax debt, unfortunately she could not receive any financial help as she was not the tenancy holder.
After paying what she could toward rent and council tax, Zoe was left with only £98 per month for food and essentials. On top of this, she was dealing with depression, back pain, and intense grief, all of which left her unable to manage her situation alone. That’s when she turned to us.
Referred by her GP, Zoe attended a face-to-face advice session at her surgery, followed by a more in-depth appointment at our office. Our adviser helped her take the first steps to stabilise her situation:
We confirmed she had already applied to Harlow Council’s housing register. Due to her exceptional circumstances, the council accepted her application on the grounds of local connection, even though she hadn’t met the standard 7-year residency requirement.
This reassurance immediately reduced her anxiety, knowing her housing case was now being taken seriously.
We also worked closely with Zoe to:
Secure confirmation from Universal Credit (UC) to cover her rent until a permanent housing solution was arranged.
Apply for Council Tax Support (CTS), which led to a recalculation of her council tax bill.
Negotiate with the council to reduce her monthly council tax bill from £43 to £38, and defer her first payment by a month, giving her breathing room.
Recommend downsizing to a smaller property to avoid the bedroom tax, potentially saving her £138 per month.
Issue a food bank voucher, ensuring she had access to food during this financially critical time.
Outcome:
Thanks to these interventions, Zoe is now in a far better mental and financial state. With tailored advice and practical support, she feels more empowered, less overwhelmed, and better able to manage her affairs. The food bank support provided immediate relief, and the long-term financial guidance has given her a clearer path forward.
NB: Names and certain details have been changed to protect our clients’ anonymity