Case completed July 2022.

Osman (not his real name) is a 55-year-old, self-employed, Brent resident who lives with his 13-year-old son. Osman is a British national of Afghan origin.  

Osman’s son joined him in the UK in August 2021 from Afghanistan when the Taliban took over the government.

After his son’s arrival, Osman had to reduce his work hours and move into a two-bedroom flat, as a result of which Osman found it difficult to cope financially as his monthly earning were £911.08 and the cost of rent for a two-bedroom flat is at £1650.  

Osman approached Brent Hubs triage service at Harlesden library for advice about welfare benefit entitlements. Osman was assigned to Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre (BHCAC) Caseworker, delivering BHCAC’s Outreach Welfare Benefits Advice sessions, at the Harlesden library.  BHCAC’s Caseworker carried out a welfare benefits assessment and advised Osman that he was entitled to Universal Credit and Council Tax Support.

As Osman lacked digital skills and needed support with claims, BHCAC’s Caseworker arranged an appointment with its colleague Benefits Advisor at BHCAC’s premises.  

BHCAC’s Benefits Advisor assisted Osman with the claims and provided; an induction to online account management, as well as ongoing digital support (over a period of six weeks) with managing his online accounts in respect of the claims.  

As Osman’s income was not sufficient to meet their everyday needs, the BHCAC Benefits Advisor referred him to Sufra Food Bank for emergency food parcels until receipt of his first Universal Credit payment.  Additional needs for Osman and his son were identified, namely, immigration advice service for Osman’s son (BHCAC Benefits Advisor made a referral to Afghan Association Paiwand), as well as follow up on school application, as Osman’s son was waiting for a school place.  

After 5 weeks, Osman was initially only awarded the standard allowance of Universal Credit and refused both the housing and child elements of Universal Credit. The DWP alleged that Osman did not provide sufficient evidence of his housing costs and that his son had no immigration status so could not be claimed for. BHCAC’s Benefits Advisor passed the case back to BHCAC’s Caseworker.  

BHCAC Caseworker submitted a request for a mandatory reconsideration providing extensive evidence and referencing government regulations regarding Afghani refugees. Caseworker also assisted Osman to provide necessary evidence of housing costs.

After several weeks Osman received a mandatory reconsideration notice conceding he was eligible for both housing and child elements back to the start of the claim, a period of four months. Osman received a backdated payment of £7,489.96 or £1872.49 (£1589.99 towards housing cost and £282.50 for child element) for each of the four months.  

Claim for Council Tax Support was successful, and Osman was awarded £363.01 for a year. After several emails by BHCAC Benefits Advisor, and interview, Osman’s son was finally offered a place at a local school. Results of Afghan Association Paiwan’s immigration advice and assistance resulted in Osman’s son obtaining Indefinitive Leave to Remain in the UK.  

Osman’s Universal Credit entitlement going forward is £1880.49 per month.  

Furthermore, BHCAC Caseworker’s helped Osman claim a £150 Council Tax Rebate and worked with Brent Hubs Advisor to ensure that Osman’s son got extra tuition to improve his English language skills. 

With the support from BHCAC, Osman was able to secure his entitlements, increase monthly income and access specialist immigration service and additional support i.e., emergency food parcels and school tuition for his son.

The BHCAC Benefits Advisor induction on managing online accounts was particularly important for Osman as he was able to better understand what is, a relatively complex benefit system, and learn how to manage his online accounts resulting in increased independence.  

Osman said that he is very happy with the support he received and the outcomes and feels secure and safe that he has the means to cover the costs of living. He is particularly happy that his son started school and is receiving extra tuition support which will enable him to settle into the new school faster.  

Osman was grateful for all the support received from BHCAC, Sufra Food Bank, Afghan Association Painwand and Brent Hubs.