Posted on 16 October 2024
At Hyde, we’re more than just a landlord. Our priority is to help customers who need it, and allow them to thrive in the communities we serve. Last year, 2,559 customers received financial advice from our experts, and more than 32,000 people received support funded by the Hyde Charitable Trust. Each year, customers contact us when they’re struggling with their rent or bills. Every case is unique, and we treat each customer with respect and fairness.
There are always options available, so don’t bury your head in the sand if you’re struggling. It’s better to talk.
Linda’s story
Linda was referred to Hyde Foundation in the latter stages of the pandemic. She always paid her rent on time, but the cost of living was really taking its toll, and she didn’t have enough money to pay for the basics, like food and heating.
Coupled with the effects of the lockdowns, Linda was suffering from depression, anxiety, and the feeling of being cut off and alone.
She had applied for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but was denied any support. The process can be quite complicated, and Linda didn’t know how to appeal the decision, until she met Joseph Clark, a member of our Advice and Advocacy team. Joseph has about 20 years’ experience and appealed on Linda’s behalf. Despite one unsuccessful attempt, and after much persistence, he managed to secure a backdated PIP of nearly £19,500.
Linda was referred to Hyde Foundation in the latter stages of the pandemic. She always paid her rent on time, but the cost of living was really taking its toll, and she didn’t have enough money to pay for the basics, like food and heating.
Coupled with the effects of the lockdowns, Linda was suffering from depression, anxiety, and the feeling of being cut off and alone.
She had applied for a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) but was denied any support. The process can be quite complicated, and Linda didn’t know how to appeal the decision, until she met Joseph Clark, a member of our Advice and Advocacy team. Joseph has about 20 years’ experience and appealed on Linda’s behalf. Despite one unsuccessful attempt, and after much persistence, he managed to secure a backdated PIP of nearly £19,500.
Linda said: “I was surprised when Joseph said I might be able to appeal. We waited six months to get a decision. Throughout that time, I wasn’t confident. Then we finally got a court date to hear the appeal, which was another three months away.”
This case was different because Joseph appealed the initial decision much later than is usually allowed. However, he felt Linda was eligible for a PIP, and she was in desperate need. Linda had been through a lot, and even with Joseph by her side, she found it hard to keep her hopes up.
“Joseph helped me prepare for the hearing and we went through some of the things they might ask. He even came to online hearing. He didn’t have to, but it was really reassuring having him there. They asked some questions that I wasn’t expecting, but overall, it went well. Joseph said to me afterwards that he thought we’d won the appeal.”
There was still some waiting for the final verdict, but the court ruled in Linda’s favour. Because the application was started so long before the outcome of the appeal, the PIP was backdated. Linda’s Universal Credit payments will be adjusted, and the PIP will be taken into account. But the main thing is, she now has enough income to live comfortably.
Linda added: “[After] nearly two and half years, it’s still sinking in. I’m in shock. I’d tried to do it all myself, but I felt like no one really understood my circumstances. Joseph changed all that. He helped me all the way through [the appeals process], from day one. He supported me and is still supporting me now.”
“I’m so proud of Joseph. I don’t know where I’d be without him. It's such a weight off my shoulders after nearly eight years of hardship.”
If you’re worried about not being able to pay your rent, talk to us so we can help. If you’re looking for advice or other sources of help, visit our Helping Hand pages.