The benefits system can be tricky to understand. For this reason some elderly, vulnerable or disabled people may not receive all the benefits they are entitled to, which can have a major impact on their health, quality of life and wellbeing.

‘Angela,’ a middle aged woman from London, is on the autism spectrum and has poor vision and hearing.

As she was living in supported housing, Angela’s care agency acted as her appointee. Although they provided otherwise excellent care, the Agency were not especially well informed on the benefits system, and this lack of knowledge led to Angela’s income support being stopped in 2009.

When The Money Carer Foundation became Angela’s new appointee in September 2011 she was living off her savings, which were, by then, greatly reduced.

After looking over Angela’s case, Money Carer realised she was again eligible for income support. Money Carer also found the Department for Work and Pensions (DLA) had made an error which stopped Angela receiving Severe Disability Allowance (SDA), which she was entitled to. She is now also receiving the appropriate components of the Disability Living Allowance, and has been able to claim severe disability premium and enhanced disability premium too.

Money Carer were able to claim a back dated SDA payment of over £10,000 for Angela which gave her some savings and financial security again. It also meant that Angela could buy new bedroom furniture, a sofa, TV and sensory lighting for her home, improving her general happiness and wellbeing. This money also helps to pay for transport to the day care centre that she attends twice a week, giving her a chance to socialise and enjoy herself.