Cost of Living Case Study

This case study is anonymised and highlights recent work supporting a network member with fuel poverty and cost of living issues.

‘D’ reported that he was struggling financially and as a result we carried out a financial assessment. It was identified that he was finding it difficult to manage his ongoing monthly costs. This included internet, mobile phone, gas, and electric top ups and buying food.

We supported ‘D’ with a benefits check. He was in receipt of universal credit and receiving a fortnightly payment of £180. ‘D’ has a diagnosed learning disability. A recent assessment found it would be difficult for him to work and that he should be receiving disability payment. A new Scottish Disability Benefit claim was made immediately for ‘D’. There is a high demand for this new benefit and there is a significant backlog of applications.

An application was made to the Neighbourhood Networks Technical Fund where he was provided with a mobile phone and a sim card. This provides him with unlimited calls, texts and internet. We also supported ‘D’ to contact his energy provider. He was given an emergency top up on his electric as he had run out of credit. ‘D’ was given a one-off payment to cover him until his next pay day.

We supported ‘D’ to contact the local foodbank and he has been receiving weekly parcels. ‘D’ also applied for a clothing grant from the local food bank, and he was provided with £50 to buy new clothes.

We support ‘D’ to keep on top of his finances. He was supported to download the TSB banking app to his mobile phone along with the app for his utility company. He is now able to top up his gas/electric meters online and keep on top of his account balance.