Jobcentre Plus

In the event that you experience problems with government benefits, contact Jobcentre Plus as quickly as possible. The Jobcentre Plus teams can help to put things right so that you receive your welfare correctly.

About Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus is a chain of offices supporting the working public with benefit claims. It operates on behalf of the UK government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Jobcentre Plus supports people trying to find work or those who are unable to work. Claimants of benefits normally must attend appointments at a Jobcentre Plus to “sign on” in order to receive their benefits. The government has been introducing a new benefit, Universal Credit, since 2013. Eventually, this will completely replace several existing benefits. Your Jobcentre Plus will let you know if you have to get Universal Credit and how your payments might change.

Jobcentre Plus Contact Numbers

Contact Jobcentre Plus by phone using these helpline connection numbers.

Jobcentre Plus

Call the Jobcentre Plus helpline on the number to the left if you have any questions about the services on offer. If you are new to benefits claiming, the Jobcentre Plus team can point you in the right direction. You need a National Insurance Number to make a benefits claim, so they can transfer you to the helpline if you need to request yours. They can tell you where to find your local Jobcentre Plus and their opening hours. You can visit in person to get assistance with applying for a claim. Recruiters can contact Jobcentre Plus to access resources for employers wanting to hire staff. You can call this number for help with Universal Jobmatch.

New Benefit Claims

Call the number to the left to make a new claim. This could be for one or more benefits. The advisor can help you to find out if you are eligible before you apply. They will book an appointment for you at a Jobcentre Plus where they will check your proof of identity and circumstances. Ask on the phone if you are not sure what exactly you need to provide to make your claim successfully. The rules may be different depending on the benefit you are claiming. Common benefits are Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Maternity Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Benefit, and tax credits.

Existing Benefit Claims

For existing claimants, the helpline the number to the left is for support with your ongoing claim. You can discuss your claim and report any problems with your payments. For example, delays or incorrect amounts which cause any hardship. You should call this number to report any changes in your circumstances which could affect your entitlement. In general, you need to report changes in work status, income, marital status, and your living situation to Jobcentre Plus. They will always ask you to confirm your identity by asking about your personal details. You must provide your National Insurance number every time you call the helpline.

Appointments

For most benefits, attending Jobcentre Plus appointments is mandatory. If you are late, your work coach may not be able to see you. Missing appointments through lateness or failure to attend at all can result in sanctions. This means that Jobcentre Plus could reduce your benefit or stop it completely for a period of time. To avoid this happening, always attend your appointments. If you lost your appointment card and can’t remember when your appointment is, call the number to the left. You should also call if you cannot attend an appointment as far in advance as you can. They will only accept significant reasons, like severe illness.

Complaints

Jobcentre Plus provides services to many people across the country. Due to how busy they can get, they sometimes do get things wrong. If you have an ongoing issue which your Jobcentre Plus is not resolving for you, call the number to the left. Provide all the details of your complaint, and make sure to keep a record of any evidence supporting the complaint. In the case of consistent issues with payments which you were fully entitled to, the DWP might pay compensation. It is not likely that Jobcentre Plus or the DWP will be able to resolve your complaint over the phone. They will investigate and respond within 15 working days.

Head Office

When the Complaints Resolution team does not respond to your complaint satisfactorily, then you can escalate it to the top. Call the number to the left and ask to escalate your serious complaint to the head office. Ask for a senior manager to review the issue. Or you can e-mail the Director General of Operations for the DWP, Andrew Rhodes, at correspondence@dwp.gsi.gov.uk. Write “Formal Complaint” for the subject line. If you are still not happy after receiving a final response from the DWP, you should take the issue to the Independent Case Examiner. E-mail ice@dwp.gsi.gov.uk within 6 months of receiving a final response.

Other Ways to Contact Jobcentre Plus

Sometimes the phone lines can be very busy, and you don’t have the time to hold. If this is the case for you, try these alternative methods. Get updates from your local Jobcentre Plus by following them on Twitter. If you need to speak to your Jobcentre Plus directly about their facilities or an appointment, you can find the phone number through the Local Office Search. Whenever you have an issue with your Universal Jobmatch account, submit a contact form. The general e-mail address is contact-us@dwp.gsi.gov.uk. This address will forward your message to the appropriate team. You can send a letter by post to escalate a complaint.

Jobcentre Plus Complaints E-mail Address

Contact Jobcentre Plus by e-mail to make a complaint to your regional team.