In todays political climate there's a lot of change going on and especially so in benefits. If you're living with HIV and considering applying for benefits, or are thinking of going back to work and have concerns about how that might effect your benefits, it's worth finding out your rights.
First and foremost, although benefits might seem like a confusing maze, don't worry help is at hand.
We have a team of trained Generalist Advisers who can help you find out your entitlement and how best to manage applications, reviews and appeals. You can access help from us online, as written information, or on the phone - whichever suits you. Different people find types of information useful.
General advice
- Get expert advice or do your research before making or changing a claim
- Find out other people with HIV’s experiences, particularly with assessments and about how to answer questions appropriately.
- Keep copies of all correspondence with the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). If you must do something over the phone rather than in writing, make notes of the call and the date. Records and letters seem to go missing very easily.
- Open and answer all letters from the DWP/JobCentre immediately, or as soon as possible. A lot of people lose entitlement because they can’t face dealing with the bureaucracy; there are people who can help you with this.
- Always appeal if a decision is unfair or based on wrong information. Many people win a better decision on review or appeal because many initial decisions are poorly informed. Make sure you appeal within the deadline given. Again, expert help is available with this.
- If your doctor is likely to be asked to contribute a report on your health, it is a good idea to discuss this with them in advance, or at least let them know this may happen.
- You might also want to keep a diary of how your health impacts on your daily life, especially if you find the impact of HIV changes from day to day or week to week. This will help you respond to the questions asked in assessments.
- Always check that any information you are using is up to date as benefits are changing fast.
Help online
- You can access online advice from a qualified Generalist Adviser here on My HIV, as well as that you might find some helpful discussions going on in the Community forums.
- www.directgov.uk - the Government site which explains benefits and entitlement and is a good place to start
- www.turn2us.org.uk - has a useful benefits entitlement checker online
- www.adviceguide.org.uk - is the national website for Citizens Advice Bureaux, who are often the best local source of information on benefits generally. However, in some areas of the country they may not be experienced with HIV.
- www.disabilityalliance.org - is the main source of benefits information relating to disability
- www.nat.org.uk - also has details of the latest developments in benefits as they relate to people with HIV
- http://benefits.tcell.org.uk/ - is a website run by and for people with HIV, with a lot of benefits-related information and tips. It has message boards where people can compare their experiences and get advice from people who’ve been through the assessments and interviews themselves.
- Your local HIV organisation may also have benefits advice online.
Help on the phone
Our helpline,THT Direct, can give first line advice on benefits and for in-depth support they will refer people to a local agency or Citizens Advice Bureaux.
Help by email
- info@tht.org.uk - our qualified generalist advisors can answer you within 2 days.
Our information and advice is accredited by the Information Standard, the Legal Services Commission and The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner.
This advice briefing was jointly agreed between Terrence Higgins Trust and the National AIDS Trust in March 2011.
