Case Study: ‘Ahmed’

Copy for Citizens Advice

Ahmed* really needed to stop working. He’d been an upholsterer all his life but a cancer diagnosis two years ago meant that even part-time hours were exhausting him.

Our partners at Worthing Hospital put Ahmed in touch with Citizens Advice. After four months of waiting he’d still heard nothing about his application for Personal Independence Payments so he continued to work, which wasn’t good for his treatment.

Ahmed spoke with our adviser, Caitlin. She had to inform Ahmed that there was currently a six month wait for PIP applications. She sought alternative ways to help Ahmed and his family in the meantime.

Caitlin helped Ahmed complete a benefit assessment for Universal Credit. She found that he was eligible for an extra element called the Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWWRA) element due to his cancer treatment.

Whilst Caitlin helped Ahmed to apply for this, she also arranged for a small Macmillan grant to pay for some of his immediate expenses. She looked into a Council Tax reduction and help with the rent.

Caitlin will continue to offer practical help to Ahmed through his treatment process. Hopefully, the assistance and regular contact relives some of the stress on him and the family, enabling a faster recovery.

*not his real name