Home
current page Bob and Christine’s Story

Bob and Christine’s Story

Published on 2 June 2021

Anonymous

Debt amount:
£17,794.83
Type of debt:
Rent arrears, non-priority debts
Debt solution:
Write-offs/ Debt Relief Order

Intro

When Christine was diagnosed with stomach cancer, Bob gave up work to look after her and their disabled 34-year-old son

The news of Christine’s cancer came as a huge blow to the whole family, as well as to their finances. Suddenly, Bob had to give up his full-time job and take on the responsibility of caring for his wife – and their main source of income disappeared overnight.

Over the years, Bob and Christine have had their fair share of challenges – their adult son is disabled and needs a great deal of extra care. They all live together in a twobedroom housing association property and were already relying heavily on benefits, including Universal Credit, full council tax reduction and the standard daily living and mobility components of Personal Independence Payment for their son.

But when Bob could no longer act as breadwinner and they found themselves falling behind with the rent, they knew they needed advice on how best to cope.

How we helped

We suggested that Christine made a claim for Carer’s Allowance for looking after their son and that Bob claimed the same allowance for looking after Christine. We also advised Christine to submit a Fit Note from her doctor to the Department of Work & Pensions.

As a result of these claims, extra payments and a carer’s premium were added to their Universal Credit – increasing their income by a substantial £582.20 per month (almost £7,000 per year).

Next, we tackled the family’s rent arrears, which had racked up to £400 in total. By contacting their landlord, we arranged a payment plan of £32 per month towards this debt and suggested it was paid by standing order going forwards.

As for Bob and Christine’s non-priority debts (£4,773.53 and £13,021.30 respectively), we explained the various options and both decided to ask for their debts to be written off.

All of Bob’s creditors agreed, although unfortunately Christine’s creditors were less receptive. We’re now helping her apply for a Debt Relief Order instead – and supporting her every step of the way.

Find your nearest advice centre

Barking Learning Centre

2 Town Square

London

IG11 7NB

T: 0800 808 5700

Monday: 09.30 - 17.00
Tuesday: 09.30 - 17.00
Wednesday: 09.30 - 17.00
Thursday: 09.30 - 17.00
Friday: 09.30 - 17.00

Intro

How we helped

Find your nearest advice centre

Barking Learning Centre

Barking Learning Centre

Citizens Advice Brent

Citizens Advice Brent

Citizens Advice Bromley

Citizens Advice Bromley

Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham

Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham

South West London Law Centres - Croydon Office

South West London Law Centres - Croydon Office

Citizens Advice Waltham Forest

Citizens Advice Waltham Forest

Mary Ward Legal Centre

Mary Ward Legal Centre

Citizens Advice Southwark

Citizens Advice Southwark

Nucleus

Nucleus

Citizens Advice Sutton

Citizens Advice Sutton

Toynbee Hall

Toynbee Hall

Citizens Advice Islington

Citizens Advice Islington

Nucleus at the Lido Centre

Nucleus at the Lido Centre

Citizens Advice Southwark

Citizens Advice Southwark

Citizens Advice Sutton

Citizens Advice Sutton

Ingeus Hackney

Ingeus Hackney

Ingeus Islington

Ingeus Islington

Ingeus Haringey

Ingeus Haringey

Ingeus Tower Hamlets

Ingeus Tower Hamlets

Ingeus Kensington

Ingeus Kensington

Ingeus Hammersmith

Ingeus Hammersmith

Ingeus Wandsworth

Ingeus Wandsworth

Ingeus Lambeth

Ingeus Lambeth

Ingeus Lewisham

Ingeus Lewisham

Ingeus Ealing

Ingeus Ealing

Ingeus Hounslow

Ingeus Hounslow

Ingeus Harrow

Ingeus Harrow

Ingeus Barnet

Ingeus Barnet

Ingeus Brent

Ingeus Brent

Clapham Park Project

Clapham Park Project

Brickworks Community Centre

Brickworks Community Centre

Mary Ward Legal Centre

Mary Ward Legal Centre

Citizens Advice Croydon

Citizens Advice Croydon

Citizens Advice Croydon North East

Citizens Advice Croydon North East

Citizens Advice Haringey

Citizens Advice Haringey

Citizens Advice Harrow

Citizens Advice Harrow

Citizens Advice Havering

Citizens Advice Havering

Citizens Advice Wandsworth

Citizens Advice Wandsworth

Andover Estates