Macmillan Welfare and Benefits Service Case Study
Jack's story
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Jack was referred under Special Rules. Jack was in his late 50s and was still working but was about to embark on palliative chemotherapy. He lived with his wife who worked part time. They privately rented their home.
Phil Bremner, our Macmillan Welfare and Benefits Adviser, explored benefit options with Jack and completed a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim. Phil discussed options should Jack not be fit for work and talked about the possibility of applying for Carer’s Allowance for his wife should this become appropriate in the future. He also applied for Blue Badge under fast track rules.
A few weeks later Jack informed Phil that his PIP had been awarded (£156.90 per week) and that he had been finding work quite difficult so his employer had started paying him sick pay. As his earnings were reduced they qualified for Universal Credit (£95.25 per week) which he needed help claiming online. This helped towards the rent. An application for Council Tax Benefit was made and these benefits were awarded (£15.25 per week). Jack’s wife, Jill, had also reduced her hours to such a level to care for Jack so this meant Phil was then able to claim Carer’s Allowance for her (£69.70 per week).
When Jack’s sick pay expired several months later, Phil helped him inform Universal Credit online and this resulted in an increase to their Universal Credit award (£145.20 per week) and Council Tax Benefit (£25.15 per week).
Jack and Jill were struggling with energy costs as Jack was feeling the cold more so a Macmillan Grant was applied for to help over the winter months and also to help with petrol costs when attending treatment in Leeds (£350.00). Jack was about to finish his treatment so a successful application was submitted to Sail 4 Cancer for a holiday away at Centre Parcs meaning they could spend special time with their grandchildren.
Sadly, Jack later died so Phil helped Jill claim Bereavement Benefits (she received a lump sum of £2,500.00 plus a monthly payment of £100.00) and advice swapping claims over to her name.
Benefits adviser is very helpful.
Had help with benefits and awareness of support services. Benefits adviser was excellent, professional and a great sense of humour.
So helpful, did not have to look for the help, it was offered.
Prompt and made simple
Extremely helpful
Difference it’s made is incredible
Took a lot of worry off my mind, made life a lot easier.
Service was second to none.
Took a lot of stress away from me and he made a process easy that I never considered I would qualify for.
Excellent service- took it out of our hands.
Really helpful, prevented a lot of stress.
Very good, understands everything. Easy to talk to.
Fantastic, so so useful when you are not very well.
Nice that there is someone to help you with financial things.
Highly proactive, thoroughly professional and a guiding light.
Invaluable. Made such a difference.
Superb, marvellous. Weight off me.
Pressure taken off by Phil. Helped to sleep at night.
Most human individual to work with. Puts you at ease. 5* service.
Happy – all happened quickly, taken out of my hands.