Frequently Asked Questions

Means-tested benefits (such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Housing Benefit) take your income, savings, and financial circumstances into account. Non-means-tested benefits (such as PIP, Attendance Allowance, and Child Benefit) are based on your circumstances — like having a health condition or caring for a child — regardless of your income or savings.

Yes, many people receive more than one benefit at the same time. In fact, some benefits can unlock additional support. For example, receiving Attendance Allowance may help you qualify for Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction, or a higher rate of other benefits. There are some benefits that cannot be paid together, but our eligibility checker takes this into account.

Most benefits do not affect your State Pension. Non-means-tested benefits like PIP and Attendance Allowance are paid in addition to your pension. However, Pension Credit tops up your income to a minimum level, so the amount you receive may depend on your total income including State Pension.

Most benefits are tax-free, including PIP, Attendance Allowance, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and Child Benefit (though Child Benefit may need to be repaid through the High Income Child Benefit Charge if you or your partner earn over a certain amount). State Pension and some other benefits are taxable. The details depend on your circumstances.

Yes. Many benefits are available regardless of whether you own or rent your home. Non-means-tested benefits like PIP and Attendance Allowance have no savings or property limits. For means-tested benefits, the home you live in is usually excluded from the savings calculation.

Benefits Robin asks you a series of questions about your circumstances — your age, health, household, and finances. Based on your answers, we identify which benefits you may be eligible for and provide an estimated value. If you choose to proceed, we can help you complete your application forms with prepared answers based on your information.

Our eligibility checker is completely free. If you choose to use our guided application service, there is a fee — you can see our current pricing on the pricing page. You are never charged until you review and approve your application.

No. Benefits Robin is an independent service. We are not affiliated with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HMRC, or any government department. We provide information and assistance to help you navigate the benefits system, but final decisions on eligibility and payment amounts are always made by the DWP or relevant authority.

Yes. We use bank-level encryption to protect your data, and we are fully GDPR compliant. We never share your personal information with third parties without your explicit consent. You can request deletion of your data at any time. See our privacy policy for full details.

No. Benefits Robin provides information and assistance to help you understand the benefits system and complete applications. We do not provide legal or financial advice. If you need specialist advice, we recommend contacting Citizens Advice, a local welfare rights service, or a qualified adviser.

Processing times vary by benefit. PIP claims typically take around 12-16 weeks. Attendance Allowance claims usually take 8-12 weeks. Universal Credit can start within 5 weeks of your claim date. Pension Credit is usually processed within 5 weeks. These are typical timeframes — individual cases may vary.

The evidence needed depends on the benefit. For disability benefits like PIP and Attendance Allowance, medical evidence from your GP, consultant, or other healthcare professionals can be very helpful. For means-tested benefits, you may need to provide details of your income, savings, and housing costs. Our guided application process helps you understand what evidence could strengthen your claim.

Some benefits can be backdated. Attendance Allowance can potentially be backdated to the date of your claim. Pension Credit can be backdated by up to 3 months. Universal Credit is generally not backdated unless there are exceptional circumstances. The rules vary by benefit, and our eligibility checker provides guidance specific to each benefit.

No. Benefits Robin helps you prepare and review your application, but nothing is ever submitted without your explicit approval. You review all information, make any changes you wish, and confirm that it is true and complete before anything is sent.

After submission, the DWP (or relevant authority) will review your application. They may request additional information or arrange an assessment. You will receive a decision letter by post. We can send you reminders and help you track your progress through your Benefits Robin account.

If your claim is not successful, you have options. The first step is to request a Mandatory Reconsideration, where you ask the DWP to look at the decision again. Around 25% of mandatory reconsiderations result in a changed decision. If that is not successful, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. Around 60% of PIP appeals heard at tribunal are decided in favour of the claimant.

You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration by contacting the DWP within one month of receiving your decision letter. It may help to explain why you disagree with the decision and provide any new evidence that supports your case. Benefits Robin can help you understand the process and what information may be helpful to include.

A tribunal is an independent body that reviews benefit decisions. If your Mandatory Reconsideration is not successful, you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. The tribunal panel considers your case afresh and can overturn the DWP's decision. You can attend the hearing in person, by phone, or by video, or choose a paper-based hearing.

No, you do not need a solicitor. Many people successfully represent themselves at tribunal. You can also get free help from organisations like Citizens Advice, local welfare rights services, and disability charities. Having evidence from healthcare professionals and a clear explanation of how your condition affects your daily life can be particularly helpful.

It depends on the benefit and the type of challenge. For PIP, if you request a Mandatory Reconsideration, your payments may continue at the same rate or stop, depending on the circumstances. If you appeal to a tribunal, you can often request that payments continue at a basic rate until the appeal is heard. The rules vary, so it is worth checking the specific rules for your benefit.