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Mr and Mrs D were behind with their council tax payments. Hartlepool Borough Council sent reminders to the couple, but did not get any reply. Because of this, the council's bailiff team visited Mr and Mrs D to arrange collection of their outstanding payments.
During the bailiff's visit, it came to light that Mr and Mrs D were full-time carers for their 19 year old son, who suffered from cerebral palsy. The bailiff immediately got in touch with the council's Mobile Benefits Team and community engagement officer, and asked if there was anything they could do to help.
During a visit to Mr and Mrs D's home, a member of staff from the Mobile Benefits Team helped the couple to apply for council tax and housing benefit, disabled band relief, and carers and severe mental impairment disregards.
Mr and Mrs D were awarded a small amount of housing benefit. Council tax disregards were awarded and backdated to their son's 18th birthday, and because the couple were able to prove that they had been using a wheelchair in the house for the past 6 years, the council was able to award and backdate the disabled band reduction.
As a result of talking to our mobile team and applying for these benefits, Mr and Mrs D's council tax arrears were completely cleared, and the couple used their remaining credit to reduce their rent arrears.