Kevin’s Story: A Journey of Struggle, Support, and Success
Kevin, a man of working age living alone in a housing association property, has faced the daily challenges of a long-term mental health condition for several years. For a long time, his essential needs were met through means-tested benefits, including Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction, alongside the Severe Disability Premium. He had also been receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—a vital support—until his case was reviewed in 2024, and his entitlement was stopped.
This setback left Kevin anxious and confused, especially with no one to guide him. He had been receiving casework support from Harlow Advice Centre, but when the organisation sadly ceased operations, Kevin was left in limbo, his appeal for PIP unresolved and now facing a daunting transition from legacy benefits to Universal Credit (UC) under a Managed Migration (MM) notice.
Recognising the urgency and vulnerability of his situation, our office fast-tracked Kevin for an assessment. We quickly established that he required ongoing casework support, and we took over his case. All existing documentation was carefully reviewed, and it was agreed that we would act on his behalf in the appeal process.
Our specialist benefits caseworker drafted a detailed written submission to HMCTS and helped Kevin gather critical supporting evidence. Throughout this period, Kevin was also linked with Citizens Advice National Help to Claim Service, to understand the implications of both outcomes, whether he won or lost the appeal, and plan accordingly.
But the long waiting time for a Tribunal hearing took its toll. Kevin’s mental health began to deteriorate further due to stress and uncertainty. We maintained regular contact and gave him lots of reassurance.
The submission to the Tribunal powerfully argued that Kevin’s original PIP assessment, conducted over the phone, had failed to recognise the true extent of his condition. It described how Kevin experiences hallucinations, disorganised thoughts, confusion, poor memory, social withdrawal, and difficulty with social cues. These impairments severely limit both his daily living and mobility.
After months of waiting, Kevin’s Tribunal hearing finally arrived, and the outcome was a life-changing victory.
Thanks to the diligence of our benefits specialist and Kevin’s bravery in persevering, the appeal was allowed in full. The Tribunal awarded Kevin 17 points for Daily Living and 10 points for Mobility, qualifying him for the highest rate of Daily Living and the standard rate of Mobility for 10 years.
This meant Kevin would now receive a weekly PIP award of £139.60, and, remarkably, a back payment for 54 weeks totalling £7,538.40.
Over the course of the next 10 years, this represents a financial gain of over £72,592.
But more importantly, it gave Kevin something he hadn’t had in a long time: relief, stability, and hope. With his PIP entitlement reinstated, he can now maximise his Universal Credit through Transitional Protection, worth £161.75 per week, or around £8,411 annually.
Kevin’s Outcome at a Glance:
✅ PIP Award: £139.60 per week
✅ Back Payment: £7,538.40 (54 weeks)
✅ 10-Year Award Value: £72,592+
✅ Transitional Protection via UC: £161.75/week or £8,411/year
✅ Mental health stability and renewed confidence
✅ Empowered to complete Managed Migration to Universal Credit
Kevin’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with the right support, dedicated advocacy, and a refusal to give up. His story shows that behind every benefit case is a real human being, fighting for the dignity, independence, and the security they deserve.
NOTE: * All client stories have had certain details changed or omitted to preserve the clients’ anonymity.