As part of our drive to form a closer relationship between face to face debt advice and maximising income through appropriate welfare benefit advice we have been able to help a growing number of clients. Whilst in its infancy, this holistic approach has clearly demonstrated both the value of such interventions and the predictability of those suffering from debt crisis also failing to understand their entitlement to social welfare help. Such additional income can make a real difference for those battling with financial exclusion and the economic benefits to the wider community cannot be overlooked as it is recognised that those in receipt of such payments tend to spend their additional income locally.

Just one example of such help is the case of Client B. This client attended an outreach money advice appointment in Normanton. This initial meeting revealed that the couple had numerous debts totaling £ 45000.

Our calculations revealed that although Client B is in full time employment their combined income was insufficient to meet their scheduled repayments. Mrs. B also reported that she is unable to work as she has 3 young children to care for and 1 of their children is disabled.

Having assembled all of the information on their income and expenditure we carried out a benefit check for the couple and we identified that they were eligible to claim for carers allowance which they were not aware of. This has been awarded and their family now benefits from nearly £200 per month additional income.

Previously, Client B had sensibly contacted their creditors on numerous occasions to attempt to negotiate affordable repayments and also explained their situation to them, However, some of the creditors were continuing to harass them. We answered their cry for help and advice as they have been unable to cope with dealing with their creditors.

We explained the debt collection procedure to our clients and made them aware of both their rights and responsibilities. Together, we set up a re payment plan and jointly presented it to their creditors.

In a further meeting we jointly concluded that realistically they would never be able to re-pay their creditors and bankruptcy was their only option. However, a further hurdle was that they did not have the £335 required to register their bankruptcy with the Court. Once again we helped in successfully in applying to the Severn Trent Trust Fund for their bankruptcy fees.

The outcome for Client B and his family is they have now been declared bankrupt and successfully restructuring their life and they have just discovered that Mrs. B is pregnant.