DWP introduces instant changes for eight benefits | Tenant news

The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has introduced an immediate change to ease the admin burden for people who need prove their benefit status to access services and support.

What’s changing

Thanks to a new 24/7 digital service, individuals can now request a n instant proof of benefits letter, for:

• Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for adults
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Pension Credit
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• State Pension.

This means claimants no longer have to make a phone call or wait days or to get evidence of their benefit status.

Minister Andrew Western MP of Department for Work and Pensions said “the new service is part of a wider effort to make the DWP more accessible and inclusive by offering support in ways that suit people’s needs.”

Why it matters

Evidence of benefit status is often needed for things like applying for other support services, housing or negotiating bills.

Until now, people typically had to request these letters by phone or post, which could take time. The online option is available at any hour, helping people manage their affairs more quickly and easily.

Who will benefit

Anyone claiming one of the eight listed benefits can use the new service. Just go online to Gov.UK and search ‘proof of benefits letter’.

You can download your proof of benefits letter straight to your device or, if needed, request a paper copy by post. The postal copy may still take up to a week to arrive.

You will need to have a GOV.UK One Login to use the online service. If you don’t already have one, you can create it on the GOV.UK website, then request and download your proof of benefits letter whenever needed.

The service is not currently available if you are an appointee managing someone else’s claim, or if you live outside the UK.

If you have questions about using the new online service, contact the DWP or Citizens Advice for help navigating the process and ensuring your details are up to date.

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