Mrs E felt the benefit MRS E is just one of the many clients to have enjoyed the practical benefits of the HVS's advice and support. I HADN'T thought of contacting the CAB, I just didn't think that I would be eligible for any extra help. I already had a bit of housing benefit and a small private pension so I thought I had to manage on what I had.

The Health Centre referred me to the Home Visiting Service. Alison came round to my house and she told me that I was entitled to the Attendance Allowance and helped me to fill in the forms.

I got the full amount. The extra £53.55 a week has made a real difference to me. I have had angina and arthritis in my hip, so I find it very hard to get about. Walking any distance makes me breathless.

I've been prescribed water pills, so I need to go to the bathroom often, but it's a struggle and I don't always make it. The doctor recommended incontinence pads, but they are expensive and I was struggling to pay for them. He can sometimes get me some, but I only see him every two months and they don't last that long. The extra money means that I can buy more when I need them and don't have to worry about every penny I spend.

Alison arranged for someone from Social Services to look at my house. Thanks to Alison, I now have a double bannister to help me with the stairs, a bath seat, and a special seat for the toilet, which makes life a bit easier.

I can't manage the cleaning myself and Social Services told me that that I can't have a home help cleaner. With the little extra money I now have, I can afford to pay a cleaner once a week. Helped with cost of poverty SANDRA lives with her son, Josh, and her daughter, Kylie. She receives Income Support, Child Benefit and Housing Benefit. I LEFT my husband two years ago. Kylie was two and I was pregnant with Josh, but didn't know it at the time. We had to leave with just one bag and the clothes on our backs.

I was very lucky. A new housing association had just started and I was offered one of their places straight away. We had nothing, no furniture, nothing, For the first year we sat on a rug on the floor; we didn't have any chairs. But the CAB helped me get furniture from Community Transport. When Josh was born, I had depression. I had worked until I left home, but there was no one to look after Kylie or Josh, so I had to go on benefits. I find it very hard to live on benefits, but I am careful and we manage.

The CAB told me I was entitled to benefits and helped with the forms. Now I get about £80 per week Income Support. I spend half of that on food. I care a lot about what my children eat. Health visitors tell you to give children this and that and Josh loves fruit but, when I go to the shops, it costs more than I can afford. I cook properly for my children, but I only eat dinners at weekends. During the week I have sandwiches. I try to save Child Benefit for school uniforms. The CAB helped me to get vouchers from the Council, but they only cover the cost of jumpers.