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Welfare benefits (I need advice) (no callback form)

Triage journey for Welfare Benefits

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Welfare benefits

Welfare benefits - input*
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)- input*

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - input*

Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit (UC) - input*

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - input*

I want to check which welfare benefits I can claim

You can use an online tool to find out if you may be entitled to welfare benefits.

A benefits checker can quickly tell you if you are entitled to any benefits and give you basic information about what support is available. You can then use a benefits calculator to find out your full entitlement, how much you might get and how to claim.

Benefits checker

This tool is designed to give you quick information about what may be available to you. You will be asked a few questions about your circumstances.

  • DWP benefits checker
    • Benefits calculators

    Benefits calculators will confirm what benefits you’re entitled to based on your circumstances. Before starting you will need to have accurate information about your:

    • savings
    • income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
    • existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
    • outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
    • council tax bill

    Benefits calculators can only be used by over 18s and will not give accurate information for prisoners, students, non-British or Irish citizens, those living outside the UK, or those living in residential care or nursing homes.

    We recommend using one of these benefits calculators:

    • Turn2Us
    • Entitledto
    • Policy in Practice

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I want to check which welfare benefits I can claim (useful) - input
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Following responses are for when this benefit is selected

I need to apply

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit you can claim to help with the extra costs of disability.

It is made up of two parts, a ‘daily living’ part and a ‘mobility’ part. You can claim one or both of these parts depending on your personal situation.

To get PIP you don’t need to have worked or paid National Insurance and it doesn’t matter what your income is, if you have any savings or you’re working.

I need to apply (PIP) - input*

I need help filling in my form

I need help filling in my form (PIP) - input*

I'm already claiming and need help

You can contact the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enquiry line for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made.

This includes updating your details, reporting a change of circumstances or getting more information about a letter you've received.

I'm already claiming and need help (PIP) - input*

I disagree with a decision

If you disagree with the DWP’s decision on your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim, you can challenge it.

  1. First you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.
  2. If you are unhappy with the mandatory reconsideration decision you can then appeal to a tribunal.

You must request a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal unless you have been told otherwise.

I disagree with a decision (PIP) - input*
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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Following responses are for when this benefit is selected

I'm already claiming and need help

You can contact Jobcentre Plus for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made.

This includes updating your details, reporting a change of circumstances or getting more information about a letter you've received.

I'm already claiming and need help (ESA) - input*

I disagree with a decision

If you disagree with the DWP’s decision on your Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claim, you can challenge it.

  1. First you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.
  2. If you are unhappy with the mandatory reconsideration decision you can then appeal to a tribunal.

You must request a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal unless you have been told otherwise.

I disagree with a decision (ESA) - input*

I need help filling in my Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) capability for work questionnaire

After you’ve applied for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will usually send you a form called the ‘Capability for Work questionnaire’.

It’s also called the ESA50.

You will be given one month to complete your form and send it back.

The deadline will be on the DWP letter that was sent with your form.

If you’re late sending back the form you must still fill it in and send it as soon as you can.

We can help you explain to the DWP why it's late.

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Universal Credit (UC)

Following responses are for when this benefit is selected

I need to apply

Universal Credit (UC) is a benefit you can claim if you are on a low income and have savings under £16,000.

You can claim UC if you are in or out of work and it includes extra amounts for children, disability and rent costs.

You do not need to have paid National Insurance contributions to qualify for UC.

I need to apply (UC) - input*

I'm already claiming and need help

You can send a message in your online journal to your Universal Credit (UC) work coach for information about a claim you’ve already made.

This includes updating your details, reporting a change of circumstances or getting more information about a letter you've received.

I'm already claiming and need help (UC) - input*

I disagree with a decision

If you disagree with the DWP’s decision on your Universal Credit (UC) claim, you can challenge it.

  1. First you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.
  2. If you are unhappy with the mandatory reconsideration decision you can then appeal to a tribunal.

You must request a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal unless you have been told otherwise.

I disagree with a decision (UC) - input*

I need help filling in my Universal Credit capability for work questionnaire

If you claim Universal Credit (UC) and tell the DWP you are unable to work you will be sent a medical form called a 'Capability for Work questionnaire' or UC50.

You must complete and return your UC50 form within one month from the date it was sent to you.

This date will be shown on the DWP letter that came with your form.

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Following responses are for when this benefit is selected

I need to apply

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit you can claim if you have a disabled child under 16.

It is made up of two parts, a ‘care’ part and a ‘mobility’ part.

Your child may be entitled to one or both of these parts depending on their personal situation.

To get DLA for your child you don’t need to have worked or paid National Insurance, and it doesn’t matter what your income is, if you have any savings, or you’re working.

I need to apply (DLA) - input*

I'm already claiming and need help

You can contact the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) helpline for advice or information about a claim you’ve already made.

This includes updating your details, reporting a change of circumstances or getting more information about a letter you've received.

I'm already claiming and I need help (DLA) - input*

I disagree with a decision

If you disagree with the DWP’s decision on your Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim, you can challenge it.

  1. First you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.
  2. If you are unhappy with the mandatory reconsideration decision you can then appeal to a tribunal.

You must request a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal unless you have been told otherwise.

I disagree with a decision (DLA) - input*

I need help filling in my form

I need help filling in my form (DLA) - input*
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PIP

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I need to apply (PIP)

I know I am eligible

To apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP):

  1. Call the DWP on 08009 172 222 to ask for an application form.
  2. Make sure you have the following information ready when you call:
    • Your contact details
    • Date of birth
    • National Insurance number
    • Your bank or building society account number and sort code
    • Your doctor or health worker’s name and contact details
    • Dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
  3. If you need help filling in the form, contact us once you receive it to book an appointment.
  • More information on claiming PIP

Other ways to contact PIP

  • Textphone: 08009 177 777
  • Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08009 172 222

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I know I am eligible (PIP) - input*
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I need help filling in my form (PIP)

I have a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) form

You are usually given 3 months to complete your form and send it back.

The deadline will be on the DWP letter that was sent with your form.

If your deadline to return the form is less than 2 weeks away you will need to request an extension.

You can request an extension by calling the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433

I don't have a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) form yet

To apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP):

  1. Call the DWP on 08009 172 222 to ask for an application form.
  2. Make sure you have the following information ready when you call:
    • Your contact details
    • Date of birth
    • National Insurance number
    • Your bank or building society account number and sort code
    • Your doctor or health worker’s name and contact details
    • Dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent abroad, in a care home or hospital
  3. If you need help filling in the form, contact us once you receive it to book an appointment.
  • More information on claiming PIP

Other ways to contact PIP

  • Textphone: 08009 177 777
  • Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08009 172 222

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I don't have a PIP form yet - input*
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I'm already claiming and need help (PIP)

How can I contact Personal Independence Payment (PIP) myself?

If you have already claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and need information about your claim or to report a change, you can call the PIP enquiry line on 08001 214 433.

If the DWP has sent you a letter which you don't understand, have it with you when you phone. They may ask you to confirm your name, national insurance number and award entitlement.

  • Reporting a change of circumstances
  • If you've been overpaid
  • If your claim is reviewed

Other ways to contact the PIP enquiry line

  • Textphone: 08001 214 493
  • Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08001 214 433

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How can I contact PIP myself? - input*
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I disagree with a decision (PIP)

Request a mandatory reconsideration myself

To request a mandatory reconsideration, contact the benefits office that gave you the decision.

You can contact them by phone, by letter or by filling in a form.

You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration within one month from the date the original decision was sent to you.

If you miss the one month deadline it’s still worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration, provided you do so within 13 months of the decision.

The decision on your mandatory reconsideration will be sent to you in a letter with the words ‘Mandatory Reconsideration Notice’ at the top.

  • More information about asking for a mandatory reconsideration

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Request a Mandatory Reconsideration myself (PIP) - input*

Appeal a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) decision myself

If you have received a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice and are still unhappy with the DWP’s decision on your benefit claim, you can appeal.

You must make your appeal within one month of the date shown on the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.

After you submit your appeal you can provide evidence to support your claim.

The appeal will then be decided at a tribunal hearing.

  • Information and guidance about how to appeal
  • What happens at the hearing

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ESA

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I'm already claiming and I need help (ESA)

How can I contact Jobcentre Plus myself?

If you have already claimed Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and you need information about your claim or to report a change, you can call the Jobcentre Plus enquiry line on 08001 690 310.

Alternatively, you can write to the Jobcentre Plus office that pays your ESA - the address is on the letters you get about your ESA.

  • Finding your nearest Jobcentre Plus

Other ways to contact Jobcentre Plus

  • Textphone: 08001 690 314
  • Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08001 690 310

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How can I do this myself? (ESA) - input*
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I disagree with a decision (ESA)

Request a mandatory reconsideration myself

To request a mandatory reconsideration, contact the benefits office that gave you the decision.

You can contact them by phone, by letter or by filling in a form.

You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration within one month from the date the original decision was sent to you.

If you miss the one month deadline it’s still worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration, provided you do so within 13 months of the decision.

The decision on your mandatory reconsideration will be sent to you in a letter with the words ‘Mandatory Reconsideration Notice’ at the top.

  • More information about asking for a mandatory reconsideration

How can I appeal an ESA decision without a mandatory reconsideration?

In some cases you can appeal an ESA decision about whether you are fit to work without having to do a mandatory reconsideration. This may apply if:

  • It's the first time you have failed the Work Capability Assessment
  • It's the first time you have failed the Work Capability Assessment since a previous decision that you did not fail

Check your decision letter to find out if you need to do a mandatory reconsideration. If you don't, you can appeal to an independent tribunal instead. If you think this applies but are unsure what to do we can help you.

  • More information about when you can appeal an ESA decision without having a mandatory reconsideration

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Request a mandatory reconsideration myself? (ESA) - input*

Appeal an Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) decision myself

If you have received a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice and are still unhappy with the DWP’s decision on your benefit claim, you can appeal.

You must make your appeal within one month of the date shown on the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.

After you submit your appeal you can provide evidence to support your claim.

The appeal will then be decided at a tribunal hearing.

  • Information and guidance about how to appeal
  • What happens at the hearing

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Appeal a decision myself (ESA) - input*
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UC

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I need to apply (UC)

How can I claim Universal Credit myself?

In most cases, you will need to claim Universal Credit (UC) online.

  1. Make sure you have the following information when you apply:
    • Your bank account details (call the Universal Credit helpline if you do not have one)
    • An email address
    • Information about your housing, for example how much rent you pay
    • Details of your income. For example payslips, details of savings and any investments like shares or a property that you rent out
    • Details of how much you pay for childcare if you’re applying for help with childcare costs
    • Proof of identity, for example driving licence or passport
  2. After you apply you will be contacted within 10 working days to arrange an interview with Jobcentre Plus.
  3. If you have a disability or health condition you may need a work capability assessment. You'll be told if you need one after you claim.
  • Start a Universal Credit claim

If you can't make a claim online or you need support to do so, you can contact the Citizens Advice Help to Claim service.

Their advisers will explain the process to you and help get your claim up and running.

  • More information about the help to claim service

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I'm already claiming and need help (UC)

How can I do this myself?

If you have already claimed Universal Credit (UC) and you need information about your claim or to report a change, you can message your work coach in your online UC journal.

Alternatively, you can call the UC enquiry line on 08003 285 644.

  • Reporting a change of circumstances
  • Getting an advance payment

Other ways to contact UC

Textphone: 08003 281 344.

Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08003 285 644

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How can I do this myself (I'm already claiming UC) - input*
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I disagree with a decision (UC)

Request a mandatory reconsideration myself

You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration by writing a message in your online Universal Credit journal.

Alternatively, you can request a mandatory reconsideration by contacting the benefits office that gave you the decision.

You can contact the benefits office by phone, by letter or by filling in a form.

You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration within one month from the date the original decision was sent to you.

If you miss the one month deadline it’s still worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration, provided you do so within 13 months of the decision.

The decision on your mandatory reconsideration will be sent to you in a letter with the words ‘Mandatory Reconsideration Notice’ at the top.

  • More information about asking for a mandatory reconsideration
  • Mandatory reconsideration request form

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Request a mandatory reconsideration myself (UC) - input*

Appeal a Universal Credit (UC) decision myself

If you have received a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice and are still unhappy with the DWP’s decision on your benefit claim, you can appeal.

You must make your appeal within one month of the date shown on the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.

After you submit your appeal you can provide evidence to support your claim.

The appeal will then be decided at a tribunal hearing.

  • Information and guidance about how to appeal
  • What happens at the hearing

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Appeal a decision myself (UC) - input*
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DLA

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I need to apply (DLA)

I know my child is eligible

To claim DLA for a child you need to be their parent or look after them as if you’re their parent. To apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA):

  1. Call the DLA helpline on 08001 214 600 to ask for an application form.
  2. If you need help filling in the form, contact us once you receive it to book an appointment.
  • More information on claiming DLA

Other ways to contact the DLA helpline

  • Textphone: 08001 214 523
  • Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08001 214 600

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I know my child is eligible (DLA) - input*
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I'm already claiming and need help (DLA)

How can I contact Disability Living Allowance myself?

If you have already claimed Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and you need information about your claim or to report a change, you can call the DLA helpline on 08001 214 600.

  • Reporting a change of circumstances
  • What happens when your child turns 16

Other ways to contact DLA

  • Textphone: 08001 214 523
  • Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08001 214 600

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How can I do this myself? (DLA) - input*
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I disagree with a decision (DLA)

Request a mandatory reconsideration myself

To request a mandatory reconsideration, contact the benefits office that gave you the decision.

You can contact the benefits office by phone, by letter or by filling in a form.

You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration within one month from the date the original decision was sent to you.

If you miss the one month deadline it’s still worth asking for a mandatory reconsideration, provided you do so within 13 months of the decision.

The decision on your mandatory reconsideration will be sent to you in a letter with the words ‘Mandatory Reconsideration Notice’ at the top.

  • More information about asking for a mandatory reconsideration
  • Mandatory reconsideration request form

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Request an MR myself (DLA) - input*

Appeal a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) decision myself

If you have received a Mandatory Reconsideration Notice and are still unhappy with the DWP’s decision on your benefit claim, you can appeal.

You must make your appeal within one month of the date shown on the Mandatory Reconsideration Notice.

After you submit your appeal you can provide evidence to support your claim.

The appeal will then be decided at a tribunal hearing.

  • Information and guidance about how to appeal
  • What happens at the hearing

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Appeal a decision myself (DLA) - input*
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I need help filling in my form (DLA)

I have a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) form

You are usually given 6 weeks to complete your form and send it back.

The deadline will be on the DWP letter that was sent with your form.

If your deadline to return the form is less than 2 weeks away you will need to request an extension.

You can request an extension by calling the DLA helpline on 08001 214 600.

I don't have a Disability Living Allowance (DLA) form yet

To claim DLA for a child you need to be their parent or look after them as if you’re their parent. To apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA):

  1. Call the DLA helpline on 08001 214 600 to ask for an application form.
  2. If you need help filling in the form, contact us once you receive it to book an appointment.
  • More information on claiming DLA

Other ways to contact the DLA helpline

  • Textphone: 08001 214 523
  • Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 08001 214 600

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I don't have a DLA form yet - input*

Unfortunately we cannot offer a callback at this time

We will reopen our service to new enquiries as soon as we can.

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T: 0117 9515751
F: 0117 9355975
E: team@northbristoladvice.org.uk

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