63-year-old Julie was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure 20 years ago and has dialysis three times a week. Each dialysis session lasts four hours. While receiving treatment a nurse suggested she saw Auriga’s outreach advisor for help to build her confidence with money and get benefits advice.

Julie previously received Disability Living Allowance (DLA). She has extra care and mobility needs as a result of a disability and other illnesses, including Grave’s disease, hyperthyroidism, arthritis, arthralgia and restless leg syndrome.

She finds it very difficult to cope on a daily basis. Her husband Jim is her main carer and supports her through the extreme fatigue, pain and muscle weakness she lives with. As claiming DLA is no longer possible – Julie needed to begin a new claim for Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

To improve her financial comfort, Auriga:

• Supported Julie in making a PIP claim and completed the form on her behalf, providing the required medical evidence.
• When the claim was rejected, requested the application be reconsidered – which was again rejected by the DWP.
• Considered the decision unfair – knowing how badly Julie was affected by disability. On her behalf submitted an appeal and represented her at a tribunal.
• Successfully got the original PIP decision overturned – using a senior welfare advisor at the tribunal to put the case forward.
• Reviewed her utility bills and made an application to Severn Trent Water’s social tariff and got her water bill reduced.

Julie now receives an ongoing weekly income of £113.65 and was offered a back dated amount of over £3,000.  Auriga dealt with the financial difficulties caused by her illness and long-term disability.

It feels like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders. They got money off my water bill, the opportunity to appeal a benefits decision – and over £30 extra a week going forwards. I’m so grateful they helped

Julie