Social security and other benefit issues
Many crimes can lead to financial hardship because things are stolen
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Many crimes affect people financially because things are stolen. This can lead to financial hardship and you may need help in the form of social security and other benefits. This may be to support you through the direct financial effects of losing cash or valuables. Or you might not be able to work because the crime has had serious affects on you. In which case you may need to claim benefits to help keep you afloat financially until you recover.
Claiming benefits can be complicated. We can help point you in the right direction but you may need more specialist help and advice than we can give. You can contact your local social security office or the Benefit Enquiry line (0800 88 22 00). Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau can also advise you about the benefits you might be entitled to.
We can also help you to find financial or legal advice and have a good knowledge of local agencies and contacts.
If you've had benefit books stolen
If you've had benefit books (for pensions, allowances or any other kind of state benefit) stolen in a burglary or robbery, you need to tell the issuing authority (usually the Department for Work and Pensions) quickly. If you get payments at the Post Office you need to tell them too. You will be sent new books, but it could take a week or two. Until that happens, payments are normally made by Giro.
How to contact us
If you would like to contact Victim Support for more information, please either contact your local branch or call the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900.