A Painscastle woman was helped by Powys County Council’s Money Advice Service to claim nearly £20,000 a year in benefits she was entitled to.

Yvonne Bowkett, who lost her husband in January 2023, was struggling with grief and her own health issues when she reached out to the council for support.

Money Advice and Support Officer Ruth Mills guided her through the application process for health and means-tested benefits, securing an annual income of almost £20,000, plus back payments.

Ruth also helped secure a reduction in Yvonne’s council tax and assisted with her application for a Blue Badge.

Yvonne explained: “After an accident and a long hospital stay, Ruth was there to assist me again with further financial help, including securing a Motability car. Her advice and support have been invaluable, and I don’t know what I would have done without her.

“Ruth is always professional, yet caring, and always at the end of the phone for support and advice and I am so grateful for her help and for the service provided by Powys County Council.”

Ruth had previously assisted Yvonne in November 2022, while her husband was ill with cancer, as part of a scheme backed by Macmillan Cancer Support.

At that time, Ruth helped apply for Attendance Allowance – a benefit covering extra costs due to a health condition or disability – for Yvonne’s husband. She also ensured the couple was receiving all the benefits they were entitled to, as Yvonne had given up work to care for her husband full-time.

Deputy council leader, Cllr Matthew Dorrance, praised the money advice service's support for Yvonne and urged other residents facing financial difficulties to seek confidential, free guidance.

The money advice service is at: https://en.powys.gov.uk/moneyadvice

Help can also be given over the phone: 01597 826618.