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How to claim some benefits
General rules about claiming benefits
Who should claim | Appointees | How to claim
Where to get claim forms | Information to support a claim | When to claim
See also:
Benefit office contact details | Benefit rules | Jobcentre Plus information
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pensions
Attendance Allowance/Disability Living Allowance
Carers Allowance
Child Benefit
Employment and Support Allowance
Guardians Allowance
Incapacity Benefit
Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance
Pension Credit
Social Fund
State Retirement Pension
Tax Credits
Administered nationally by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency.
Claim forms from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency.
Administered regionally and nationally by the DWP.
Claim forms
DLA1A - aged 16 or over
DLA1(child) - aged under 16
AA1 - aged 65 or over
Terminally ill people claiming under the ‘Special Rules’ need form DS1500 completed by a doctor. This can be done without the terminally ill person's knowledge.
Claim forms available:
From Jobcentre Plus offices and advice centres etc., or
By ringing the Disability Benefit free phone enquiry line, or
By contacting the DLA/AA regional or national offices, or
By sending in the tear-off slip on the leaflets AAA5DCS (AA) or DLAA5DCS (DLA) found in post offices, doctors surgeries etc., or
From the DWP website (look for Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance in the A-Z), or the Directgov website or online via the DWP e service
It may be better to get the claim form from a DWP office rather than from elsewhere. When they send it out it is stamped with the date the form was requested. Provided the form is completed and returned within 6 weeks the claim is treated as made on the date the form was requested. The online claim service can do this automatically.
However the Government plans to introduce a standard rule which would only allow two weeks backdating for all successful DLA/AA claims.
Contact DLA and AA
Help with completing forms is available from advice centres.
Detailed guide to DLA and AA
Administered nationally by the DWP.
Claim form DS700 or DS700(SP) (for people getting State Pension) available from the Carers Allowance Unit or Jobcentre Plus offices, or
Claim and report changes in circumstances via the Carers Allowance e-service.
Contact Carers Allowance
Administered nationally by Revenue and Customs.
Claim form available from the Child Benefit office , Revenue and Customs, Jobcentre Plus or Post Offices etc., or
Download a claim form from the Revenue and Customs website, or
Claim or report changes in circumstances via the Child Benefit e-service
Contact Child Benefit
Administered locally by Jobcentre Plus. For new claims on the basis of "limited capability" for work from 27 October 2008. Replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income Support (for incapacity). Has contribution based, "youth" and income related forms.
Contact Jobcentre Plus to make a telephone claim or obtain claim form ESA1. This is a common claim form for contribution based, "youth" and income related ESA. The claim form includes a form to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit and/or help with mortgage costs.
Online claims - a claim can be started via the DWP e service provided the telephone claim process is used.
ESA cannot be claimed at the same time as Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). A person getting SSP can still claim Income Support to top up their SSP after 27 October. Employees who have been getting Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and claimed Income Suppport to top that up can stay on Income Support when their SSP finishes provided they are assessed as incapable of work. And they may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit. Otherwise an employee whose SSP finishes can claim ESA.
All claimants need a sick note to go with their ESA claim.
ESA can be claimed up to three months in advance.
Claimants are assessed in the first 13 weeks for "limited capability for work" and "limited capability for work related activity". Those who have limited capability for work related activity receive an extra "support component" from the 14th week. Those who have limited capability for work but not for work related activity receive an extra "work related activity component" from the 14th week provided they:
Administered nationally by Revenue and Customs.
Claim form BG1 available from the Guardians Allowance Unit, Revenue and Customs, Jobcentre Plus, or
Download a claim form from the Revenue and Customs website
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From October 2008 Incapacity Benefit was replaced for new claimants by Employment and Support Allowance. People already getting IB on 27 October 2008 will stay on it until either they are no longer entitled, for example they become fit for work or reach pension age, or they are transferred to Employment and Support Allowance. All IB claimants are supposed to be transferred by 2013.
Administered locally by Jobcentre Plus. Claims for Incapacity Benefit made after 27 October 2008 can only be made in certain circumstances:
People who previously got IB but stopped getting it before 27 October can reclaim if their claim can be "linked to" their previous claim.
The linking periods areeight weeks; or
104 weeks if the claimant was incapable of work for more than 196 days came off IB and started work within one month of coming off benefit; or
two years if the claimant was working, was entitled to Working Tax Credit with a disability element, stopped work and was incapable of work on the first day after stopping work
a person can claim Incapacity Benefit if they were entitled to Income Support (for incapacity) before 27/10 and become entitled to IB after that date because they now satisfy the contribution conditions
a person can claim Incapacity Benefit if they claimed Income Support (IS) whilst getting Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and carry on being entitled to IS when SSP finishes.
Most claims for Incapacity Benefits will be telephone claims via the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre. Claimants can ask for a paper claim form SC1 instead.
Employees need form SSP1 from their employer to confirm that they are no longer getting Statutory Sick Pay, or are not entitled to it.
All claimants need to send a sick note at the start of their claim.
Young people ‘incapacitated in youth’ claim on form IBY1 available from Jobcentre Plus.
Online claims - a claim can be started via the DWP e service provided the telephone claim process is used.
To get Incapacity Benefit a person has to be incapable of work. This is usually assessed under the Personal Capability Assessment.
Contact Incapacity Benefit
Note - from October 2008 Income Support for new claims on incapacity grounds was replaced by Employment and Support Allowance. Claims for IS on incapacity grounds made after 27 October 2008 can only be made in certain circumstances:
Administered locally by Jobcentre Plus.
Income Support is for those who don't need to sign on as available for work such as some single parents, carers, pregnant women, people incapable of work (see above) etc.
Contact Jobcentre Plus to make a telephone claim or obtain claim form A1. The claim form includes a form to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit and/or help with mortgage costs.
Online claims - a claim can be started via the DWP e service provided the telephone claim process is used.
Jobcentre Plus prefer the claim form to be completed over the phone. Most people then have to attend at least one work focused interview at the Jobcentre Plus office.
Income Support can be claimed in advance – up to three months before the claimant qualifies, e.g. if due to come out of hospital.
Contact Income Support
Income based JSA and contribution based JSA claim forms available from Jobcentre Pl
us. JSA claim forms include f orms to claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit an d/or help with mortgage costs.
Online claims - a claim can be started via the DWP e service&nbs p ;provided the telephone claim process is used.
Couples - joint claim rules
All new and existing couples claiming income based JSA will have to make a joint claim where:
- At least one member was born after 28th October 1947 and is aged 18 or over; and
- Neither has responsibility for dependent children.
If a couple decide not to make a joint claim the claimant will only be entitled to single rate JSA payment. Some couples are exempt. More information about JSA joint claim rules.
Stricter rules for IS and JSA-I
For IS and income based JSA there are stricter rules than for other benefits. A claim is not accepted as valid (and benefit is not paid) until the claimant has submitted:
A proper form
Correctly completed
With all the information necessary for the decision maker to make a decision
Benefit may be lost if this is not done within a month. The decision maker will inform the claimant if s/he feels these conditions have not been met. There are some exemptions from this - seek advice.
16/17 year olds:
Most 16/17 year olds cannot claim Income Support or income based JSA. They are expected to be on Work Based Training for Young People (WBTYP) or have a job or be in education. In some circumstances 16/17 year olds may be entitled to either Income Support or income based JSA - seek advice.
There are limited circumstances where the young person does not have to sign on as available for work, in which case they may be able to claim Income Support.
16/17 year olds who are not fit for work may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance in youth, or Incapacity Benefit in youth or Income Support (limited circumstances only).
Other 16/17 year olds who are available for work could try to claim JSA -I. They need to go to the Careers or Connexions Office and register for work and training.
If the Jobcentre Plus office decides the young person is not entitled to Income Support or JSA under the normal or limited rules, they must consider a Severe Hardship Payment. This is a reduced discretionary payment, payable initially for 8 weeks. A young person can claim it by filling in the JSA claim pack JSA1. In the section headed ‘other information’ the young person should state that s/he is claim ing JSA on the grounds of severe hardship and the completed form should be taken to the Jobcentre Plus office. The young person must then be interviewed by Jobcentre Plus staff - each office should have an under 18 adviser. The staff can grant but not refuse discretionary JSA. The application may be referred to the Under Eighteen's Support Team based in Sheffield. A decision should be made within 24 hours. If a young person is turned down there is no appeal procedure. However s/ he can make ‘further representations’ if all of his/her circumstances have not been taken into account.
From 28 September 2007 the Bridging Allowance for young people between WBTYP placements is abolished.
Contact Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance
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Administered regionally by the Pension Service.
It has two parts:
- the Guarantee Credit which replaced Minimum Income Guarantee for people aged 60 and over
- the Savings Credit for people aged 65 and over
Claim form PC1 available from the Pension Centre or an advice service, or
By downloading a form from the Pension Service website, or
Make a telephone claim on the Pension Credit application line
Contact Pension Credit
Administered locally by Jobcentre Plus.
The Social Fund is split into non-discretionary and discretionary parts.
Non discretionary Social Fund:
Cold Weather Payments - need no claim. Jobcentre Plus should automatically send a giro.
Funeral grants - claim on form SF200 available from Jobcentre Plus. This grant can be claimed up to three months after the funeral.
Sure Start Maternity Grant - claim on form SF100 Sure Start available from Jobcentre Plus. This grant can be claimed at any time from 11 weeks before the baby is due until 3 months after the baby is born.
Winter Fuel Payments. For most people aged 60 plus. Claim forms and more information from Winter Fuel Helpline or the Pension Service. More details in benefit bulletin in 2003.
Discretionary Social Fund:
Crisis loans -claim form SF400 or SF401. Claims are normally over the phone through Crisis Loan Direct. Claims for living expenses should be processed the same day; claims for household items may take longer. Payment is made at the claimant's nearest Jobcentre Plus office - s/he must take identification.
Budgeting Loans - apply on form SF500.
Community Care Grants - apply on form SF300.
These claim forms are available from Jobcentre Plus offices, advice centres or the Jobcentre Plus website.
Contact the Social Fund
Administered nationally by the Pension Service.
Claim form BR1 sent four months before a person reaches state pension age; otherwise:
Request or print a form from the Pension Service website, or
Claim online via the DWP e service
Contact Retirement Pension
Administered nationally by Revenue and Customs
Joint claim form available from the Tax Credits helpline or Revenue and Customs.
Contact Tax Credits
Here is an outline of some general rules and important exceptions. See also the specific information above on claiming individual benefits.
Who should claim
Appointees
How to claim
Where to get claim forms
Information to support a claim
When to claim
Means tested benefits:
A couple can choose who is to be the claimant if both fit the criteria, but seek advice as this can affect the amount paid. However, for income based JSA, usually both members of a couple have to claim under the joint claim rules. From December 2005 same sex couples are treated the same as opposite sex couples for means tested benefits whether or not they have registered a civil partnership.
Non means tested benefits:
The claimant who satisfies the rules should claim the benefit. Additions for dependants can be claimed. An addition can only be claimed for a same sex partner if the couple have registered a civil partnership. But note that child additions were replaced for new claims from April 2003 by (means tested) Child Tax Credit.
Appointees
If a claimant cannot claim for her/himself for example, because of mental health problems or a learning disability, someone else can be appointed by the benefit administrator to act on her/his behalf. More details about appointees.
Getting benefit involves making a claim. Claims for IS and JSA-I must be on the appropriate form or made via the telephone claim process. For other benefits the decision maker may accept something else in writing (e.g. a letter) as a valid claim. In Jobcentre Plus areas people may be asked complete new claims for some benefits over the phone, and most will have to attend at least one work focused interview.
Some benefits can be claimed on-line, including Child Benefit, Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and State Retirement Pension.
Work focused interviews for partners
Where a claim is made in a Jobcentre Plus area for certain benefits which includes an amount for the claimant's partner, both the claimant and partner are required to attend a work focused interview.
Claim forms are available from the offices that administer the benefits (DWP, Revenue and Customs, local council). Some claim forms may also be available in Post Offices, doctors' surgeries, hospitals, other public council offices and advice centres. Jobcentre Plus prefer people to claim over the telephone. but claimants can request a paper claim form from the Jobcentre Plus Contact Centre.
On-line claim forms
Some claim forms are also available on the DWP website, the Directgov website and Revenue and Customs website.
Guide to online claim forms.
Claimants are expected to supply their national insurance number and proof of identity when they claim. There are some exceptions – seek advice. How to get a national insurance number
if a person writes a letter or sends the wrong form, for most benefits the decision maker may send him/her the appropriate form. It will be returned if it is not completed properly. It will be treated as validly made on the date of the letter or wrong form if it is returned – properly completed – within one month. The decision maker can extend this if for example the person is ill. There are stricter rules for Income Support and income based Jobseekers Allowance
Some benefits can be claimed in advance:
These benefits can be claimed up to 3 months in advance:
Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Incapacity Benefit
Carers Allowance
G uardian's Allowance
Widows and Ber eavement Benefits
Rules for other benefits :
Retirement Pension: can be claimed up to 4 months in advance
Pension Credit: can be claimed up to 4 months in advance
Tax Credits can only be claime d in advance in limited circumstances - s eek advice or see th e credits portal.
DLA: a person must satisfy the qualifying conditions for 3 months before they can be paid DLA - a claim can be made any time during that 3 month period
AA: a person must satisfy the qualifying conditions for 6 months before they can be paid AA - a claim can be made any time during that 6 month period
Child Benefit is normally claimed when the baby is born. It can be claimed in advance if a child is joining the family
A person who is leaving hospital or residential care and likely to get Income Support in the next 6 weeks may be able to claim a Community Care Grant from the Social Fund
Council Tax Benefit can be claimed up to 8 weeks in advance
Backdating
In some circumstances a claim may be backdated, or a claim for the wrong benefit may be treated as a claim for a correct one. More information about backdating.
See also:
Benefit office contact details | Benefit details | Jobcentre Plus information
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