The Challenge

Leanna (not her real name) is a non-European national in her thirties who moved to the UK in 2016 with her two young children to join her husband. She has limited English-speaking skills and relied entirely on her husband, the sole financial provider, who worked full-time as a chef in a central London hotel.

Despite working full-time, her husband’s income was low, and the family relied on Universal Credit, Council Tax Support, and Child Benefit to make ends meet.

In early April 2020, Leanna’s husband tragically passed away from Covid-19. This left Leanna:

  • Financially dependent on no one

  • Unfamiliar with managing bills and bank accounts

  • Struggling to provide for her children

Our Approach

Leanna was referred to BHCAC for support. A holistic assessment revealed:

  • She had no recourse to public funds due to her spouse visa

  • She was relying on food parcel support from Brent Council

  • She did not have access to her late husband’s Universal Credit account

BHCAC Benefits Advisor provided support on multiple fronts:

  • Assisted in notifying relevant agencies about her husband’s death

  • Applied for Local Welfare Assistance, resulting in a one-off emergency payment of £500

  • Applied for Bereavement Support and Funeral Support payments

  • Contacted the Child Benefit Office to transfer the claim to Leanna, securing £35 per week

  • Guided Leanna through her ongoing visa application, which will allow her access to public funds

The Outcome

Immediate financial support:

  • One-off £500 Local Welfare Assistance payment

  • Bereavement Support Payment: £3,500 one-off + £350/month ongoing

  • Child Benefit: £35 per week

  • Funeral Support application submitted, awaiting outcome

Support in navigating complex systems:

  • Assistance with Universal Credit account access

  • Coordination with Brent Council Social Services to explore further support due to her children being British citizens

“I could not have done any of this on my own. The support made a real difference for me and my children.”

The Impact

BHCAC’s holistic support enabled Leanna to:

  • Access immediate financial assistance

  • Apply for long-term benefits

  • Secure Child Benefit for her children

  • Navigate immigration, welfare, and social services

  • Gain confidence and guidance to manage her family’s needs during a critical time

Although Leanna’s monthly income of £501.66 is not enough to cover rent and bills, the ongoing support from BHCAC, Brent Council, and social services provides a vital lifeline for her and her children.

This case highlights the life-changing impact of dedicated, multi-faceted support for families facing sudden bereavement and financial insecurity.