to prison he was offered a tenancy by NIHE which was subsequently withdrawn when they became aware that the client was in prison. At this point he approached the Housing Rights Service prison adviser for help.


The adviser appealed the decision on the basis that the client did not need to be physically present at the property in order to be entitled to Housing Benefit and accept the tenancy (referring to Commissioner’s Decision: CH/2957/2004). Following a lengthy appeal process NIHE agreed to pay Housing Benefit and to reinstate the offer.


Dove House Community Trust


Client was disabled and was also a lone parent caring for her daughter who also had a disability. She was not getting the disability element within her tax credit award and this was identified when the client approached the advice service for assistance with her renewal application. Tax Credit Office backdated one month and the adviser further requested backdating for the previous complete tax year. Following lengthy correspondence the outcome for the client was one year backdating amounting to the sum of £3,000.


In addition, the client was assisted with a Community Care Grant review to the Social Fund Commissioner where the original decision to disallow payment was overturned and an award of £1,630 was made. The family was also referred to the Women’s Advocacy project and both mother and daughter received ongoing support and assistance.


v


Special Educational Needs Advice Centre (SENAC)


The advice line was contacted by a parent whose child was struggling to learn and progress and was at risk of being suspended due to behavioural issues. The child was also facing challenges through speech and language delay. There was very little support in place for the child.


The adviser guided and supported the family through the process of accessing and securing an appropriate level of support including speech and language therapy and classroom assistance which enabled the child to cope in school and begin to settle and progress.


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