For Rutland raises funds for Citizens Advice Rutland (Reg Charity No 1107907) to pay for Specialist Advisers who provide non-medical advice to people of all ages living with long-term health conditions in Rutland and the Surrounding Community.

Since launching this service in June 2014 the advisers have been able to access over £9m in the form of grants, debt write-offs and benefit funding to help these people at a time when they most need it.

An example of the work that these advisers do is demonstrated in these case studies.

Case Study 1

A working age client and his wife phoned the Citizens Advice as the client had given up work 6 months ago on his doctor’s advice due to a chronic heart condition. This meant that his mobility was severely limited and he needed assistance with all aspects of daily living. The couple had almost used up their savings and now needed help to make an application for benefits. We assisted the client to obtain disability and sickness benefits and we assisted his wife to obtain Carer’s Allowance. Together with help towards rent and council tax we gained £466 per week for the couple.

Case Study 2

We have assisted a young woman who lives with her 2 children. She works part time and is in receipt of Universal Credit. The client’s oldest old child has autism as a result of which he has substantial care needs. We assisted her to claim Disability Living Allowance for her child. As he was awarded middle rate care she was then entitled to additional premiums in her Universal Credit – a disabled child addition and the carer amount. This increased her income by £150.49 per week. An addition to a different rate in her housing costs has increased her income by a further £25.31 per week. Our assistance has meant that the client was better off by £175.80 per week and this has had a huge impact on her and the life of her children. This equates to an annual financial gain of £9141.60.