From Overwhelmed to Empowered: How Money A+E Changed My Life During My Husband’s Illness

I had been working at the hospital as a cleaner for three years when I came across Money A+E at a recent Roadshow. My husband had recently been hospitalised and diagnosed with a serious condition, which resulted in our household income being reduced significantly. It was overwhelming for me, as I had to manage the household, take care of my family, support my husband, and work all at the same time. Balancing everything has been difficult.

When I came across Money A+E At a recent Roadshow, it couldn’t have been better timing, ‘I really needed the help’. My husband had been recently hospitalised and diagnosed with a serious condition, which resulted in a significant reduction in our household income. Managing the household, taking care of my family, supporting my husband, and working simultaneously has been quite difficult and overwhelming for me. It was not something I had to do before.

Initially, I didn't realise the extent of the burden I was carrying. I was simply going through the motions, going to work every day, visiting my husband, and trying to keep things running smoothly at home. Since my husband had been working before his hospitalisation, our finances weren't my primary concern during the first few months.

However, as time passed, our small amount of savings and his sick pay ran out quickly. The bills began to mount up, it felt so overwhelming, we were barely staying afloat. I didn’t know who to turn to I felt embarrassed and that I couldn’t tell anyone.

It must have been fate, as on a day when I didn't have enough money to buy lunch, I hadn't planned on going to the canteen. But a colleague mentioned the possibility of getting a free meal by simply talking to some people in the canteen and gathering information. If it hadn't been for my friend insisting on going to get their free lunch, I probably wouldn't have gone that day. However, the support and kindness I received from the team made a significant difference. They not only provided welfare and benefit advice but also shared tips on how I could save money, which was incredibly helpful during our conversation at the hospital.

How Money A+E were able to Help

A member of the project support team called me and took the time to explain how the money coach could assist me. They assured me that they would provide specific information regarding the benefits my family could be entitled to due to our recent change in circumstances. I was given an appointment for the following week and had a conversation with my money coach. He was extremely knowledgeable and made me feel at ease, allowing me to openly share the impact of the situation on me. It was such a relief to have someone to talk to.

My money coach informed me that my husband's health condition entitled him to an increased amount of benefit because he had been working before going into hospital. Additionally, we could apply for help to cover the day-to-day living expenses that my husband could no longer manage. My coach was not only knowledgeable but also offered to assist me in completing the application forms. Although the application process took some time, we are now receiving an additional £6000 per year. We also discussed my monthly expenses and explored ways to reduce costs, such as switching providers. ‘I feel like I can breathe again’.

Name: Mahira *alias given to preserve anonymity

Location: London Occupation: GSTC employee #

Support included: Prioritising bills, Welfare Benefits, Budgeting & Saving and setting money goals