Refferals for benefits advice

Losing your benefits or being re-assessed can be very stressful. The rules and regulations are constantly changing, therefore seek advice as soon as possible. Do not ignore any documents or demands that arrive for you from the DWP or Job Centre. The longer you leave it, the more difficult it becomes to address the situation.

Your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau should be your first port of call. Your GP may also know about advisory services in your area. Find out your rights and whether you are eligible for benefits

Camden Citizens Advice Bureau – the only specialist HIV CAB in the country – holds appointments in the Bloomsbury Clinic once a week. This service is available to all Bloomsbury Patients.

The Patient Representatives can refer you for specialist help and support from a variety of charitable organisations and advisory bodies – including Positively UK, Praxis and THT. To make an appointment call 020 3317 5177

A few things to bear in mind:

• Always seek advice as soon possible from your local CAB, HIV organisations or the Patient Representatives
• Open and answer all letters from the DWP or Job Centre immediately
• Keep copies of all correspondence with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• If you need a supporting letter from your consultant, doctor or specialist nurse, please discuss it with them at your regular appointment.
• Alternatively, you can ask the patient reps to email your clinician requesting a supporting letter
• Please allow as much time as possible for this letter since your clinician may be on annual leave and the Patient Reps will have to ask an alternative clinician
• HIV clinicians can only write about your HIV treatment and care. If you have other conditions, you will need to get supporting letters from you GP or other specialists
• Keep a record of how you find the impact of HIV changes from day-to-day or week-to-week.

For more advice on benefits.