Key facts
•To be entitled to a benefit, you must usually make a claim for it.
•Depending on the benefit, you may be able to claim by telephone, online, on a paper claim form or in person.
•You must usually provide your national insurance number and any other evidence considered reasonable.
•Once you have made a valid claim, a decision must be made by a decision maker at the DWP or HM Revenue and Customs.
•If you want more information about a decision, you can ask for an explanation, and may be able to challenge it if you disagree.