Sue is a single mum who recently lost her husband and had to finish work. In February 2008, Toxteth CAB helped her gain a bereavement grant and a widow’s pension as well as made new claims for income support, child benefit and child tax credit. Unfortunately the bereavement meant she had to make some dramatic changes to her lifestyle and that of her family. To help her deal with these changes, she agreed to attend both the Horizons Your Money group training course and a one-to-one training session. There, she received help on budgeting on a low income, shopping, saving energy, dealing with debt, down sizing and benefit education.

The Financial Capability worker also referred Sue to a bereavement counsellor to help with some of the emotional problems of this stressful time. He also helped her with outstanding debts that she had, making nominal offers and freezing interest until financial matters improve.