Couple refused benefits secure over £11K in backpayments through TPO adviceline

A couple missing out on vital benefit payments secured a lifeline of back payments thanks to The People’s Orchestra’s advice centre.

Nadia and her partner Yasir turned to the TPO’s Benefits Advice Centre when an application was refused and they thought the government’s Department for Work and Pensions had made a mistake.

Imran Tarajia, who leads the advice service helps struggling residents with their PIP, Universal Credit and other claims. Nadia and Yasir are among many who have been helped.

In the past three months alone, the TPO team has intervened and managed to secure back payments of over £20,000 for claimants who have contacted them, along with ongoing monthly payments of just over £6,000.

In Nadia and Yasir’s case, there were issues over eligibility. Nadia was born a British citizen while her partner had official settled status and a right to claim benefits. They ran into difficulties in July 2019 and needed to claim Universal Credit, but were told only Nadia was eligible.

“They contacted us to check if they were receiving the correct entitlement on Universal Credit,” said Imran. “Following our conversation, we recommended they contact the department to inform them he should have been eligible for Universal Credit from the start of his claim in 2019.

“After noticing their error, a back payment from the start date of their claim of around £11,500 was awarded along with additional on-going monthly payments of £224.15.

“We also discussed Nadia’s health conditions and recommended she considers making an application for PIP.”

This is just one of the ways that the TPO is supporting the community during the cost of living crisis.

Imran uses his expertise as he worked with the government’s Department for Work and Pensions for around 20 years before joining the TPO to help the most vulnerable in society.

Of the residents the TPO has been assisting with benefits to date, 69% of them have either had an increase in their monthly benefits or a back payment following our recommendations. The remaining 31% are awaiting a decision following a new application for benefits.

Anyone wanting support with their claim can get in touch through the TPO’s Benefits Advice Centre Facebook page or email: [email protected].