Some people are entitled to the extra help instead of struggling or missing out on DWP payments
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may send one of its officers out to selected homes to help with benefit claims. This service is designed to help those who might find it challenging to complete applications on their own due to various circumstances.
People could be eligible for a home visit from a DWP officer to help prevent mistakes when applying for financial assistance from the Government. The support visit system is in place to help people manage their applications and ensure all details are accurate.
Certain Brits may qualify for this type of assistance, but they cannot organise it themselves. Referrals for a support visit can be made by charitable organisations such as Citizens Advice or Age UK, but it may need to be discussed directly with the DWP.
What are support visits?
A DWP representative might be able to make an in-person visit to help people set up their benefits package. However, these visits cannot be booked by the person claiming themselves. In most cases, they must contact the relevant department when applying for the benefit, reports the Express.
Typically, support visits occur at home. However, if necessary, they can take place elsewhere. For example, a DWP officer can arrange to visit someone in a hospital if a home visit isn’t possible. This would usually be discussed when a person is first referred.
Who qualifies for this support?
A home visit can be arranged for people who require additional support with their benefit applications. For instance, this applies to those with complex needs or disabilities who may struggle with the standard process.
Such visits are also available for vulnerable young people making their inaugural claim or for those who “have nobody else to support them”. The DWP will similarly arrange a support visit if someone you know is seeking to become your appointee to assist with managing your benefits.
What happens during a support visit?
The DWP Visiting Team will telephone to schedule an appointment and explain what the claimant should expect, including contact details. People should receive a letter confirming the arrangement, though if the visit has been organised at short notice, it may occur before the letter arrives.
Should the visit take place at your residence and you’ve provided a mobile number, the team will also confirm the booking via text message. The duration of support visits differs according to individual circumstances and can range from 30 minutes to several hours.
On the day, people can verify whether the person arriving at their home is legitimate by checking their photographic identification card. A DWP officer must always present this documentation.
If you’re unable to check their photo ID card (for instance, due to a visual impairment), you can set up a password for the visiting officer to give you upon arrival, provided this is arranged beforehand by contacting the DWP Visiting Team. During the visit, an officer may document details about your current circumstances, any alterations, savings, income, and household members.
You’ll be required to present original documents such as payslips, bank statements, rent books, or tenancy agreements. The officer will record all this information, and it’s then up to benefit claimants to verify these details and sign a document to confirm their accuracy.
