A housing officer has helped an elderly lady claim more than £20,000.

Cynthia Grant, of Ponders End, had fallen into rent arrears following the suspension of her housing benefit and believed she was only entitled to a state pension.

However, Richard Newbold, a senior housing officer for Origian Housing, who own Ms Grant’s home, helped the pensioner claim an NHS pension.

Ms Grant said: “I had no idea I was entitled to anything more than the state pension, so it was a shock to find out that I also had a pension from my job as a Practise Nurse for the NHS. In a funny way it has changed my life.

“When I heard the news I was elated as I was finally able to pay off my rent, and with my son getting married, and the other expecting a baby soon it will be lovely to know that I can help them both financially.” 

She was given a lump sum of £20,000 and an additional £642 which has helped to clear her rents arrears.

Origin Housing’s head of housing care and support, Alev Horgan, said; “This action by Richard has had a significant impact on Cynthia’s quality of life, and we are delighted that he went the extra mile in customer service and support.”