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Making a claim

For each benefit we have given details about who you can contact to begin the claims process in the section entitled How can I claim?

The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for social security benefits, such as Disability Living Allowance, Income Support and Pension Credit and there are several agencies that handle these benefits:

Jobcentre Plus is the agency for people of working age (it has replaced the Benefits Agency and the Employment service). You can use Jobcentre Plus to claim benefits or find work (or both). Your local office will be listed in the phone book under Jobcentre Plus, or see their website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. If there is no Jobcentre Plus office in your area, your local benefits office will be listed in the phone book under social security. You can get forms for Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance from Jobcentre Plus.

The Pension Service is the agency for people of pension age. You can contact the Pension Service if you have questions about your state pension or want to claim benefits that are relevant to people of pension age. Your office will be listed in the phone book under Pension Service or social security, or see their website. The Pension Service can arrange a home visit, or for you to visit your local office, if your business cannot be dealt with over the phone.

You may find it useful to read the following leaflets produced by the Department for Work and Pensions:

  • Sick or disabled? (SD1) - a guide to benefits if you are sick or disabled
  • Sick and unable to work? (SD2) - a guide to benefits if you are unable to work due to illness
  • Long-term ill or disabled? (SD3) - a basic guide to DLA, AA, Working Tax Credit, Vaccine damage
  • Payments, Income support and Pension Credit
  • Caring for someone? (SD4) - a guide to benefits for carers
  • Going into hospital? (GL12) - what happens to your benefits and pension

You can ask for these leaflets at your local office, or download them from www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/leaflets_guides.asp

To find your nearest Jobcentre Plus or Pension Service click here

For further information about the benefits advice available in your local area call Macmillan on freephone 0800 500 800