The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to launch a series of in-person home visits to assist vulnerable households across the UK with their benefit applications. This initiative is specifically designed for individuals who may struggle to complete the claims process independently due to disabilities, complex needs, or a lack of support.
Who is eligible for a DWP support visit?
This service targets a specific group of claimants who require additional assistance. Households cannot book these visits themselves. Instead, referrals typically come from recognised charitable organisations such as Citizens Advice or Age UK, or through direct discussion with the DWP during an application.
Eligibility is focused on those with significant barriers to the standard process. This includes people with complex needs or disabilities, vulnerable young people making a first-time claim, and individuals who have nobody else to support them. Visits can also be arranged when someone is seeking to become an official appointee to manage another person's benefits.
How do the support visits work?
Once a referral is made, the DWP Visiting Team will contact the individual by telephone to schedule an appointment and explain what will happen. A confirmation letter should follow, though visits arranged at short notice may occur before the letter arrives. If a mobile number is provided and the visit is at your home, a text message confirmation will also be sent.
Visits primarily take place at a person's home, but officers can arrange to meet elsewhere if necessary, such as in a hospital. The duration varies widely based on individual circumstances, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.
Verifying officer identity and the visit process
Security is a priority. On the day, the visiting officer must present a photographic identification card. If you are unable to check this ID visually, you can pre-arrange a password with the DWP Visiting Team for the officer to recite upon arrival.
During the appointment, the officer will gather information about your circumstances, including any changes, savings, income, and household members. You will need to provide original documents as evidence, such as bank statements, payslips, or tenancy agreements. The officer will record this information, and you will be asked to verify the details and sign a document confirming their accuracy.
This proactive service underscores the DWP's effort to ensure that the benefits system is accessible to those who need it most, providing tailored, face-to-face support where it is critically required.
