A Polish client in his late forties has been living and working in the UK for nearly 10 years. In the spring of 2022, his health started deteriorating and he was on sick leave for a few months.  He ended up in the hospital where he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Meantime he lost his agency job.

Initially, the client was not aware of what benefits he could claim. He had run out of money and fallen into debt. He didn’t have money to pay rent for his room, therefore he had to move out. At that point, the client became homeless, allowed to stay at his friend’s only for a few nights. 

He came to PBIC desperate to receive any help. Our advisers managed to make a referral to the local Council, and he was offered emergency accommodation in a hotel. 

Later, he was able to apply for social housing and now is waiting for his application to become active.

The client also received support applying for UC as well as disability benefits: ESA and PIP. He was successful in all applications and granted enhanced maximum rates due to the seriousness of his health condition. 

A few weeks after the award was sent to him, his ESA benefit got stopped due to not providing a sick note on time. It was a result of not being able to book an appointment with a doctor. The client came to PBIC again and ask for support. Our adviser managed to book an emergency appointment to get a sick leave and later uploaded it to DWP online. His ESA immediately was put back in payment. 

Now he is looking forward to bidding for his council property, which will happen soon after the BBC housing team checks the evidence provided by him.

by Monika, PBIC Senior CIAG Advisor