Andrew Clenahan, 48, from Thornaby was recommended by a friend in July 2011 to contact Five Lamps for advice on where he stood in regards to his entitlements whilst being unable to work
Andrew is currently employed by Morrisons and due to health issues, including diabetes and mobility is unable to return to work. Steven Redpath, Five Lamps’ Financial Inclusion Link Worker met with Andrew to assess his options and identified that Andrew was eligible for Disability Living Allowance.
Steven supported Andrew to complete an application pack and they submitted it August 2011 with all of the relevant medical information required. Andrew was initially turned down, so Steven requested an appeal at Andrew’s request. They both put together further medical evidence and were granted a telephone appeal.
Once again the application was declined. Steven used his experience with welfare benefits to stress that he felt a strong injustice had occurred and stated that the assessors needed to see Andrews condition. He was suffering with heavy swelling and ulcerations on his feet and was under the high risk foot clinic at North Tees Hospital. The infection has spread to both feet and there is a possibility of amputation. This has severely restricted Andrew’s mobility and quality of life. Steven felt that at the very least a low level award should be made.
Steven and Andrew continued to challenge the decisions, gathering further evidence as Andrew continued to attend medical appointments, as well as a lengthy stay in hospital.
After seven months of challenging decisions supported by medical evidence, Steven was delighted to learn in January 2012 that Andrew would receive a Disability Living Allowance award at the highest rate of care, due to Andrew being unable to dress, bathe and prepare a cooked meal without full support and the high rate mobility component, which would also be fully backdated to the date of application.
Andrew said
“I am very thankful to Five Lamps, Steven was very professional. I highly recommend them to anyone. They have given me my life back!”
Steven said
“It is really rewarding to have been able to help Andrew. It has been a seven month struggle, but it was worth it in the end. Andrew now receives an extra £125 a week in benefits that he is entitled to claim”