DWP Visiting Team - EXETER 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 help 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 of the benefit you’re applying for and tell DWP 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 call you to book the visit and explain what to expect, including how to contact them.
• You’ll receive a letter to confirm 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 what information about your income, savings, and health you’ll need to provide.
• 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 any other way.
• DWP will also arrange a visit if someone is applying to become your appointee to help manage your benefits.

Security: You can check the identity of the visiting officer by calling the number on your letter or text message, and you can reschedule or change the location of your visit if needed.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).