Ben is a young man with a learning disability who had always relied on support from his mother. After her sudden passing, he was left to manage life alone for the first time. Grieving and overwhelmed, Ben was struggling with day‑to‑day tasks and feeling increasingly anxious.
He had lived in the same home for most of his life, but now he couldn’t afford the rent. The property management company wasn’t offering any support, leaving Ben feeling abandoned and unsure where to turn.
Recognising he could not manage the situation alone, Ben came to Citizens Advice with a close relative, desperate for guidance and reassurance.
Our adviser took time to reassure Ben and create a safe, supportive environment where he felt able to talk through his worries.
Ben had previously been denied Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and believed he could not challenge the decision. We explained that he could reapply and helped him complete a new application.
His new PIP application was successful, giving Ben the long‑term financial support he urgently needed as he adjusted to life without his mother.
We then worked closely with the property management company to ensure Ben was placed somewhere:
Throughout the process, we made sure Ben felt listened to, supported, and not alone as he navigated profound life changes.
With the right support in place, Ben now has:
Ben’s extended family shared their gratitude for the care he received, saying:
“We would like to tell you how much we appreciate all your adviser’s work. She was very professional, but also dealt with Ben in a very caring, gentle manner.”
All stories have been given different names and certain details have been omitted or changed to preserve their anonymity.