Suki was referred to Citizens Advice Basingstoke by Basingstoke Food Bank. She has been struggling with mental health issues including complex post-traumatic stress disorder, which have left her unable to cope with daily tasks such as washing, dressing and cooking. Suki has not been able to work over the last year and her health disorder is triggered by using a laptop. Her 9-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter are both in education and her income from Universal Credit is £1,700 per month. They live in a privately rented home and pay £1,150 in rent per month. Suki is not eligible to apply to the Housing Register as she has not yet lived in the area for a continuous period of 2 years.

Suki was added to the Priority Services Register to receive extra support from her utility companies. She was also advised to apply for Council Tax Support, Discretionary Housing Payments, and our adviser also provided details for Suki to apply to the Basingstoke and Deane's Council’s Cost of Living Assistance Fund, a scheme to support residents facing financial difficulties due to the rising cost of living. Energy/fuel wise, the cost to fill up Suki’s oil tank to heat the family home costs approximately £1,000 and our Adviser is currently exploring grants to help towards oil costs.

At Suki’s request, our Advice Team have also supported her to complete a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) form, which she found an incredibly traumatic experience due to her situation and the need to describe her circumstances.