{"id":6625,"date":"2016-07-13T15:12:30","date_gmt":"2016-07-13T14:12:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/preview.moocowmedia.co.uk\/rcabs\/?page_id=6625"},"modified":"2021-07-13T14:15:39","modified_gmt":"2021-07-13T13:15:39","slug":"benefits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cawatford.org.uk\/internal\/get-advice\/benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits &#038; pensions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1505749803600{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31669&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/&#8221;][vc_text_separator title=&#8221;A to Z&#8221;][vc_column_text]Find information about specific benefits by selecting them from the drop-down list.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<div class=\"custom-dropdown\"><select id=\"benefits_dropdown\" name=\"benefits_dropdown\">\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.cawatford.org.uk\/get-advice\/benefits\/\">Please select...<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Asbestos-related illness benefit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/attendance-allowance\/\">Attendance allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/the-benefit-cap\/the-benefit-cap-what-you-need-to-know\/\">Benefits cap<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/bereavement\/benefits-and-bereavement\/\">Bereavement benefits<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Carer's allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/children-and-young-people\/benefits-for-families-and-children\/\">Child benefit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Constant attendance allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/disability-living-allowance\/\">Disability Living Allowance for children<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Disability living allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Disablement benefit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/employment-and-support-allowance\/\">Employment and support allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Exceptionally severe disablement allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/children-and-young-people\/benefits-for-families-and-children\/\">Guardians allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/help-if-on-a-low-income\/housing-benefit\/help-with-your-rent-housing-benefit\/\">Housing benefit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Incapacity benefit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/help-if-on-a-low-income\/income-support\/\">Income Support<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Industrial injuries disablement benefit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/help-if-on-a-low-income\/jobseekers-allowance-jsa\/\">Jobseeker's allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/children-and-young-people\/benefits-for-families-and-children\/\">Maternity allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/children-and-young-people\/benefits-for-families-and-children\/\">Maternity grants<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/older-people\/benefits-for-older-people\/\">Pension credit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/pip\/\">Personal Independence Payment<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Reduced earnings allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Retirement allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Severe disablement allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/older-people\/benefits-for-older-people\/\">State retirement pension<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers\/benefits-for-people-who-are-sick-or-disabled\/\">Statutory sick pay<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/universal-credit\/\">Universal Credit<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/debt-and-money\/pensions\/types-of-pension\/pension-and-compensation-schemes-for-the-armed-forces-veterans-and-their-families\/\">War widow's\/widower's pension<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/bereavement\/benefits-and-bereavement\/\">Widowed Parent\u2019s Allowance<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/bereavement\/benefits-and-bereavement\/\">Widows' benefits<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/older-people\/benefits-for-older-people\/\">Winter fuel payment<\/option>\n<option value=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/benefits\/help-if-on-a-low-income\/working-and-child-tax-credits\/\">Working and child tax credits<\/option>\n<\/select><a id=\"golink\" class=\"custom-dropdown__button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cawatford.org.uk\/get-advice\/benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\">Go<\/a><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">var sel = document.getElementById(\"benefits_dropdown\"); sel.onchange = function () { document.getElementById(\"golink\").href = this.value; };<\/script>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31695&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Benefits Calculator&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fbenefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]Use this online calculator to check your entitlement to means tested benefits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>T:<\/strong> 0808 802 2000<\/p>\n<p>Mon\u2013Fri 9am-8pm<\/p>\n<p>Calls are free from landlines and most mobile networks.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31734&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Benefits Rates 2021\/22&#8243; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fcawatford.org.uk%2Finternal%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F04%2FBenefit-rates-poster-April2021.pdf|target:_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]This poster shows the weekly benefit rates for all social security benefits and tax credits. However, you may find it more useful to use the benefit calculator to check the amounts for your particular circumstances.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1488801559673{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31670&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Benefits for Older People&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ageuk.org.uk%2Fmoney-matters%2Fclaiming-benefits%2F||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]Information about benefits for older people is available on the ageUK website or by calling their helpline<\/p>\n<p><strong>T:<\/strong> 0300 345 3446<br \/>\nMon-Fri 8am-5pm<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/call-charges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Calls charges<\/strong><\/a> (per minute)<br \/>\nLandlines: up to 10p<br \/>\nMobiles: 3p &#8211; 40p<br \/>\n(free if you have inclusive minutes)[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31739&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Benefits info for students&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nus.org.uk%2Fen%2Fadvice%2Fmoney-and-funding%2Fcan-i-claim-government-benefits-as-a-student%2F||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]The benefits available to students depend on the level and hours of the course and the student\u2019s individual circumstances. This information provides an overview.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31731&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Benefit Checklist&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fcawatford.org.uk%2Finternal%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F09%2FSTANDARD-ADVICELINE-BENEFIT-ENTITLEMENT-CHECKLIST-V.1.docx||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]If we have asked you to complete a benefit checklist you can download a copy here.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1488801559673{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31669&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Help filling in your PIP medical form (PIP2)&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.citizensadvice.org.uk%2Fbenefits%2Fsick-or-disabled-people-and-carers%2Fpip%2Fhelp-with-your-claim%2Ffill-in-form%2F||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]Our Personal Independence Payment (PIP) guidance can help you fill in your PIP claim form. There is advice for each question, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>what the questions mean<\/li>\n<li>what to write about in your answers<\/li>\n<li>examples of answers people might give<\/li>\n<li>help explaining how your illness or disability affects you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you feel you need further help to fill in the form we may be able to help you face-to-face or book a home visit from the DWP.<\/p>\n<p>The DWP have published 6 videos to help explain PIP &#8211; you can find them at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLeysxjNpEPy8Y73-Ywm7OeAGjFc1Xc-It\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DWP YouTube channel<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31669&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Help filling in your ESA medical form (ESA50)&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.citizensadvice.org.uk%2Fbenefits%2Fsick-or-disabled-people-and-carers%2Femployment-and-support-allowance%2Fhelp-with-your-esa-claim%2Ffill-in-form%2F||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]These help pages are to guide you through each question on the form. They will help you to decide if you need to answer each question.<\/p>\n<p>We explain what the questions really mean, and give prompts on what to think about. This should help you to answer the questions and get the benefit.<\/p>\n<p>If you feel you need further help to fill in the form we may be able to help you face-to-face or book a home visit from the DWP.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1488801559673{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31747&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/&#8221;][vc_text_separator title=&#8221;Guides&#8221;][vc_column_text]Advicenow guides are easy-to-read and practical. They explain what you need to know, where you need to go, and what you need to do to solve your problem.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.advicenow.org.uk\/guides\/survival-guide-benefits-and-living-together\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Benefits and living together<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.advicenow.org.uk\/guides\/survival-guide-dealing-tax-credit-overpayments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dealing with tax credit overpayments\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.advicenow.org.uk\/guides\/how-deal-interview-under-caution\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to deal with a Benefits Interview Under Caution\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.advicenow.org.uk\/guides\/how-win-pip-appeal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to win a PIP appeal<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.advicenow.org.uk\/guides\/how-win-dla-appeal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How to win a DLA appeal<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31747&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;PIP &amp; DLA Tools&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]<a href=\"http:\/\/www.advicenow.org.uk\/pip-tool\">Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Tool<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.advicenow.org.uk\/dla-tool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Tool<\/a><\/p>\n<p>These tools take you through the medical criteria for PIP &amp; DLA respectively and tell\u00a0you what rate of PIP or DLA you think, by your own assessment, you should be entitled to. It can also help you write a letter to challenge a decision.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31695&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Grant Search&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fgrants-search.turn2us.org.uk%2F%20||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]Charitable funds are run by grant-giving charities to give grants to people in financial need. The Grant Search helps you look for funds that might be able to give you a grant and\/or other types of help.<\/p>\n<p><strong>T:<\/strong> 0808 802 2000<\/p>\n<p>Mon\u2013Fri 9am-8pm<\/p>\n<p>Calls are free from landlines and most mobile networks.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1488801559673{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;34684&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.moneyhelper.org.uk\/en&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Money Helper&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moneyhelper.org.uk%2Fen|target:_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]The Money Advice Service, Pension Wise and the Pensions Advisory Service have been amalgamated into a new service, Money Helper.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31792&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;State Pension&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fstate-pension||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]This page links to information about the State Pension.<\/p>\n<p>There is also information on gov.uk about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/state-pension-age\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Checking your pension age<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-state-pension\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Getting a pension forecast<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/contact-pension-service\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Contacting the Pension Service<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/pension-credit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pension Credit<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1488801559673{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;32176&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Watford Foodbank&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwatford.foodbank.org.uk%2F||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]If you need a food parcel from the foodbank you will need to get a food voucher first. If you want us to issue you with a food voucher you will need to attend one of drop-in sessions or call our adviceline.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31731&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_text_separator title=&#8221;Template Letters&#8221;][vc_column_text]The following template letters are designed to help you write a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>basic<\/strong><\/span> mandatory reconsideration request. They are only appropriate for use where you are challenging a decision about a medical assessment.<\/p>\n<p>Note that all the information in [square brackets] needs to be amended with your own details.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cawatford.org.uk\/internal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ESA-MR-template-letter-in-time.rtf\">ESA mandatory reconsideration (in time)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/cawatford.org.uk\/internal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ESA-MR-template-letter-out-of-time.rtf\">ESA mandatory reconsideration (out of time)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Note that the advicenow PIP tool (above) can help you write a more detailed mandatory reconsideration for PIP if you have time and feel able.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/cawatford.org.uk\/internal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/PIP-MR-template-letter-in-time.rtf\" rel=\"noopener\">PIP mandatory reconsideration (in time)<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/cawatford.org.uk\/internal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/PIP-MR-template-letter-out-of-time.rtf\">PIP mandatory reconsideration (out of time)<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1488801559673{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;32067&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;HMRC&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Forganisations%2Fhm-revenue-customs||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]<strong>Child Benefit:\u00a0<\/strong>0300 200 3100<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/call-charges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Calls charges<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(per minute)<br \/>\nLandlines: up to 10p<br \/>\nMobiles: 3p \u2013 40p<br \/>\n(free if you have inclusive minutes)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tax Credits:\u00a0<\/strong>0345 300 3900<\/p>\n<p>Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 8am-4pm &amp; Sun 9am-5pm<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/call-charges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Calls charges<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(per minute)<br \/>\nLandlines: up to 9p<br \/>\nMobiles: 3p \u2013 55p<br \/>\n(free if you have inclusive minutes)[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;32294&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;DWP&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Forganisations%2Fdepartment-for-work-pensions%2Fabout||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. As the UK\u2019s biggest public service department it administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31770&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Watford Borough Council&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.watford.gov.uk%2Finfo%2F20229%2Fbenefits||target:%20_blank&#8221;][vc_column_text]Watford Borough Council are responsible for administering Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.watford.gov.uk\/info\/20229\/benefits\/446\/discretionary_housing_payment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Discretionary Housing Payments<\/a> in Watford. From this page you can make online applications for each of these benefits. There is also information about reporting changes of circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>T:<\/strong>\u00a001923 226400<br \/>\nMon-Thu 8:45am-5:15pm; Fri 8:45am-4:45pm<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/call-charges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Calls charges<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(per minute)<br \/>\nLandlines: up to 13p<br \/>\nMobiles: 3p \u2013 55p<br \/>\n(free if you have inclusive minutes).<\/p>\n<p><strong>E: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.watford.gov.uk\/info\/20229\/benefits\/518\/benefits_contact_information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">e-mail addresses for the different departments can be found here<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1488801559673{margin-bottom: 1em !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;box-advice&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;33736&#8243; img_size=&#8221;medium&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;HertsHelp&#8221; style=&#8221;flat&#8221; shape=&#8221;square&#8221; size=&#8221;sm&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; button_block=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hertshelp.net%2Fhertshelp.aspx||target:%20_blank|&#8221;][vc_column_text]A network of community organisations in Hertfordshire working together.<\/p>\n<p>We&#8217;re here to listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information you need to get the most out of life.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; el_class=&#8221;link-clone&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row gap=&#8221;25&#8243; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221; 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