Traian
Traian, a 73-year-old man, was living in homeless accommodation and selling the Big Issue when he first approached Positive Action in Housing for help.
He needed support in applying for Settled Status through the EU Settlement Scheme. When he returned to seek advice in 2022, Traian and his wife were still living in homeless accommodation and struggling to make ends meet. Traian had been unable to claim Pension Credit earlier due to a change in rules that required him to wait for his wife to reach pension age as well. With limited English and no digital skills, he found it difficult to navigate the application process on his own.
However, when we noticed that Traian’s partner had reached pension age, we assisted them in making a joint application. After four months, they completed the DWP residency questionnaire. Traian opened a UK bank account to receive the Pension Credit, but it was unexpectedly closed just before a decision was made. We quickly opened a new account and updated the details with the DWP. Although regular payments started, a backdated payment of over £10,000 got lost between the DWP and the bank, with no further information provided by either party.
After numerous phone calls and a three-week wait, the backdated payment finally arrived shortly after Traian and his wife received the keys to their first housing association flat.
When we came to you, we had no home and almost no money to survive, let alone pay for housing. It took some time, but now we have everything we need. You can see from my smile how I feel inside.