DWP Visiting Team - SOUTH HAMS DISTRICT COUNCIL

If you need extra help to claim benefits, you may be able to get a support visit from a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) officer. These visits are designed to assist people who have complex needs, are disabled, are vulnerable young people making a claim for the first time, have nobody else to support them, or cannot claim benefits in any other way.

How it works:

• You cannot book a visit yourself. To request help, call the number for the benefit you’re applying for and let them know you need support. If you’re eligible, DWP will arrange a support visit for you.
• You can also be referred for a support visit by a charitable organisation such as Citizens Advice or Age UK.
• Support visits can take place at your home or another location, such as a hospital. This will be discussed with you when you’re referred.

What to expect:

• The DWP Visiting Team will contact you to book the visit and explain what to expect.
• You’ll receive a letter confirming the booking, or a text message if the visit is arranged at short notice.
• Before the visit, you’ll be told the date, time, location, who will visit you, what documents to show, and how to contact the team.
• The visiting officer will show you their photo identity card. If you have a visual impairment, you can arrange a password for the officer to use.

Eligibility:

• Support visits are available for people with complex needs, disabilities, vulnerable young people, those without support, or those unable to claim benefits in other ways.
• DWP will also arrange a visit if someone is applying to become your appointee to help manage your benefits.

To check the visit is genuine, you can call the DWP Visiting Team using the number provided in your letter or text message.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).