Housing association customer celebrates following income boost and removal of Spare Room Subsidy

One south Gloucestershire resident is celebrating after Sovereign Housing increased her income by more than £400 per month.

Before receiving this help the customer, who is disabled, was struggling financially and subject to the Spare Room Subsidy (SRS).

Sovereign, which has 2,000 properties across Bristol and Gloucester, supported the resident to complete a Discretionary Housing Payment application. It then worked with her to appeal her unsuccessful application for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), before helping her to secure an exemption to the SRS.

As a result, the customer is now considerably better off and is using the additional income to help pay off her rent arrears. The additional income has also had a positive impact on the customer’s mental health and wellbeing.

Sovereign’s Customer Income Adviser Diane Breakey who supported the customer on her journey said: “We know the cost-of-living crisis is having a big impact on many people right now and is affecting their finances. This is why we’re working doubly hard to support our customers to access all the support and services they are entitled to.

“We’re pleased to have helped our customer and made a real difference to her life.”

Against the rising cost-of-living, last year Sovereign introduced its sector leading £3million Customer Support Fund. This is providing a range of targeted and financial support for its most vulnerable customers. It includes a new in-house money and debt advice service, plus in-work coaches to help people maximise their income and employment prospects.