Tips for applying for benefits

Applying for benefits can seem daunting, especially if you’re already feeling worried or stressed. There are so many forms to fill in, and so much information to have at your fingertips. But you don’t have to do it on your own – there is help available. And we’ve put together some tips to help.

Before you apply, you might want to use entitledto’s benefits calculator to get an idea of what you may be entitled to.

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Getting help applying for benefits

If you need help working out what you’re entitled to and how to apply, you can always get advice from the Money Talk Team. The Money Talk Team service is completely confidential, and won’t affect any support you’re already receiving.

Information you may need to provide

Before you apply, it’s a good idea to pull together as much information as you can about your financial situation. This will make it easier to fill in the forms. Here are some of the things you may need, depending on your situation:

Information on any benefits you already receive – you should find this in your rewards letter or you can check your bank statement or online banking app
Your payslip if you’re working – this will tell you things like how much you pay in National Insurance and pension contributions. You may be given a paper payslip, or it may be online. Ask your line manager if you aren’t sure.
Information on any income you get from pensions and any savings you have – you should be able to find this in your bank statement or banking app.
Information about your housing costs, like your rent or mortgage, gas and electricity bill, council tax, broadband and mobile. If you can’t find the bills you can probably find this information on your bank statement or in your banking app.
Information about childcare costs.
If you have a partner who lives with you, you’ll be assessed for benefits as a couple, so you’ll need to know these answers for them too. If you live with any other adults (like your parents or grown up children) you’ll need to know this information for them too – you can assure them that it’s confidential.

Tips for applying for benefits

Tip #1: Don't put it off

Benefits can take a while to process, and while some can be backdated, it’s still a good idea to apply as soon as you can.

Tip #2: Read the instructions

Different benefits have different application processes. You can apply for most benefits online, and for some you can download and fill in a form or apply over the phone. So before you start your application, it’s a good idea to read the online instructions carefully for the benefit you’re applying for. This will let you know things like how long it will take to fill in the form, if there are any deadlines for applying and what information you’ll need to provide. Make sure you have all this information ready before you start.

Tip #3: Set aside enough time

Some online forms don’t let you save and come back to the application, so make sure you have enough time to fill it in in one go.

Tip #4: Keep copies

If you fill in any paper forms, take photos of them with your phone so you have a record.

Tip #5: Keep a record

It’s a good idea to keep a record of the application process. So make a note in your calendar (on your phone or on the wall) of every time you send in a form or contact the benefits agencies, and jot down what they said as well. For example, if they say you’ll hear something within a week or 14 days, note that down, so if you haven’t heard anything by then, you can get in touch again.

Tip #6: Make sure everything you say when you apply is correct

If you accidentally receive more money than you’re entitled to, you’ll have to pay it back, so it’s definitely worth getting everything right first time. But don’t worry, when your application is being assessed you’ll get the chance to put right any mistakes. If you’re not sure about anything, an adviser from the Money Talk Team can help you with your application.

Tip #7: Don't give up

If you find it confusing, you’re not alone. Applying for benefits can be complicated but remember, you can always get help. The Money Talk Team offers advice and help with your applications.