Most beneficiaries will be entitled to some state benefits. Depending on individual circumstances these may include Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Carers Allowance and Tax Credits. Many beneficiaries will have experience of dealing with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and will testify that they are by no means consistent in their decision making when awarding benefits.

The Trust has made significant efforts to work with the DWP to ensure they recognise the difficult circumstances in which the beneficiary community live. In recent months this has proven to be effective in providing positive outcomes of applications and in instances of getting benefits reinstated after an initial suspension under review.

A few things you can do help avoid and prepare for any problems with benefits claims are:

• In applications for DLA, Incapacity Benefit and Carers Allowance insure you inform the DWP that you are a beneficiary of the MFT.
• Make a note of time, date and who you spoke to in telephone calls to the DWP.
• Make copies of any forms, letters or relevant documents that you receive from or send to the DWP.
• If possible get supporting letters from doctors, nurses and social workers to send with any application.
• Remember that you do not have to declare any payments from the MFT when applying for benefits. Should you be asked send copies of letters provided by the Trust stating your exemption.

Here are some resources which may be of use to you:

• Internal circular to all front-desk officials in Jobcentre Plus offices regarding interviews under caution
• Joint letter from Martin Harvey and David White (Fraud Investigation Service) to aid in cases where MFT beneficiaries are targeted for fraud investigation
• Latest version of the benefits waiver letter

The Trust is always here to help should you need it and can provide referrals to Neil Bateman, a specialist in dealing with benefit related issues.