WHERE TO GET HELP
For advice about what benefits you might be entitled to and how to apply, go to Castlegate or CAB, or call the Council’s Benefits Enquiry Line. Castlegate will also help with filling in forms, and you can use the phone there too. Someone from the Benefits Enquiry Line can also visit you at home if necessary or you can make an appointment at their office. Future Prospects can help with benefits if they are linked to work or learning.
If you are having problems with your Housing Benefit claim, or you need help to make sure your claim is ready to be worked out, you can speak to/see the same HB Officer each time, which should help sort out problems early on. Phone/text for a young person’s rep.
GENERAL ADVICE
Nowadays the initial application for most benefits is done over the phone. If this is a problem to you then you will need to contact JobCentre Plus and ask for help. If the claims helpline arranges to phone you back and you miss the call, make sure you call them back or it can delay your claim. The information you give them will be typed up and sent back to you - make sure you check and correct it as necessary. Provide any extra information they ask for as soon as possible. Get help if you need it or help with filling in forms.
You will need your National Insurance number - but if you don’t have it, don’t let that delay you. You will only usually get benefits from the time when you first start your claim but it’s worth asking for your claim to be backdated if you have good reason. You will also need identification (passport, birth certificate, bank papers etc).
If you have no money while you are waiting for your first payment, you may be able to get a Crisis Loan. See money for emergencies.
The normal way to be paid benefits now is into a Post Office card account, building society account or bank account. Giros can only be paid under special circumstances – ask at JobCentre Plus.