What counts as a financial shock? | Citizens Advice Cheshire West

Reduced working hours

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Sarah works part-time in a local shop. Her employer recently reduced her hours unexpectedly as the shop isn’t doing very well, leaving her with significantly less income than usual. After paying her essential bills, she is struggling to afford her energy costs.

Why Sarah qualified: Sarah is on a low income and has experienced a recent, unexpected reduction in income that has affected her ability to pay for energy.

Evidence: recent wage slips showing reduction in salary

Benefit reduction

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Mark relies partly on benefits to meet his household costs. He has recently received notification that his benefit income has been sanctioned due to missing an appointment and therefore he will receive less money. He is at risk of falling behind with his usual household budget and is worried about being able to afford his next energy payment.

Why Mark qualifies: Mark has experienced an unexpected change in income which has created immediate financial pressure, including difficulty meeting his energy costs.

Evidence: This months and last months Universal Credit Statement in full showing reduction

Unexpected essential expense

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Julie is on a low income and recently needed to pay an unexpected vets bill. The cost used most of the money she had available for the month, leaving her unable to afford her usual energy top-up.

Why Julie qualifies: Julie’s unexpected bill has caused a short-term financial shock and affected her ability to pay for energy.

Evidence: Copy of vets bill and receipt confirming payment

Redundancy

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David was unexpectedly made redundant. He is waiting for his benefit claim to be processed and has very little money available for essential household costs. His prepayment meter balance is now very low.

Why David qualifies: David has experienced a sudden loss of income and can provide evidence of the change and his current energy need.

Evidence: Redundancy notice from employer

Poor health

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Greta is on a low income and normally manages their household budget carefully. They were recently diagnosed with cancer and treatment means they need the heating on more. They have found that their usual budget is no longer enough to cover the additional heating costs.

Why they qualify: The unexpected increase in energy costs has created financial pressure and affected their ability to maintain essential heating.

Evidence: Hospital/GP letters

Unexpected car repair

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Aisha relies on her car to get to work and take her children to school. Her car unexpectedly broke down and she was faced with a £650 repair bill. After paying for the repair, she has very little money left for the rest of the month and is struggling to afford her usual energy top-up.

Why Aisha qualifies: Aisha is on a low income and has faced an unexpected essential expense which has put immediate pressure on her household budget and affected her ability to pay for energy.

Evidence: Invoice and receipt of payment

Benefits sanction

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Daniel receives Universal Credit alongside part-time earnings. He has recently had his benefit payment sanctioned, resulting in a significant reduction in his income for the month. He has used the money available to pay for food and other essential costs and is now struggling to keep his prepayment meter topped up.

Why Daniel qualifies: Daniel has experienced an unexpected reduction in income which has created short-term financial pressure and affected his ability to afford essential energy.

Evidence: Universal Credit statement showing sanction

Relationship breakdown

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Chloe recently separated from her partner following the unexpected breakdown of their relationship. She is now managing household costs on her own while arrangements for housing and benefits are being made. Her income has not yet caught up with her increased household costs and she is struggling to afford her energy.

Why she may qualify: The unexpected breakdown of Chloe’s household circumstances has created a significant change in her finances and has affected her ability to meet essential energy costs.

Evidence: Bank statements showing income over past 3 months

Unexpected health problem

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Mohammed developed an unexpected health problem which meant he was unable to work for several weeks. His income has fallen while he waits for his sick pay and benefits to be sorted out. He has fallen behind with his normal household budget and is worried about being able to afford his heating.

Why Mohammed qualifies: Mohammed has experienced an unexpected health-related change resulting in a sudden reduction in income and increased financial pressure.

Evidence: Wage slips showing SSP

Accident and unexpected costs

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Rebecca was involved in a minor road accident and had to pay unexpected costs that were not covered immediately by her insurance. She has used most of her available money dealing with the immediate consequences of the accident and is now struggling to afford her energy bill.

Why Rebecca qualifies: Rebecca has experienced an unexpected event and associated essential costs which have caused a short-term financial shock and affected her ability to pay for energy.

Evidence: Invoices and receipts of payment

Death of a partner

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Gareth was recently widowed. He and his partner were on a low income and Gareth has had to use money normally set aside for energy bills towards funeral expenses.

Why Gareth qualifies: Gareth has experienced an unexpected change in his household circumstances and income following bereavement, creating immediate financial pressure and affecting his ability to meet essential energy costs

Evidence: Funeral invoice/receipt of payment