Don’t pay to claim
Claims Management Companies (CMCs) are contacting pensioners, offering to handle claims for benefits like Attendance Allowance or missing Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP), for a fee.
This isn't illegal, but the fees can be several hundred pounds. Some people don't realise they've entered into an agreement until it's too late.
The message we want to get across is straightforward: if you're eligible for these benefits, it's free to claim them. Independent and trusted help* is available for free from organisations including Citizens Advice and Independent Age.
You can visit the campaign site to find out more about how we are protecting our customers from financial harm and also watch our how to apply for Attendance Allowance video.
*For Armed Forces veterans, FREE support with Attendance Allowance claims (and other potential benefits) is also available through MOD Veterans Services. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-help-from-veterans-services, which includes contact details, and an online self-referral form.
National Careers Service update
On 1 October 2026, the National Careers Service in England was brought in house to DWP, supporting the creation of a more joined-up service for people at every stage of their career.
Customers will continue to receive free, impartial careers information, advice and guidance from qualified Careers Advisers through telephone, digital, face-to-face and community channels, with existing appointments and support continuing uninterrupted.
Those wishing to contact the service in England can call 0800 072 0288.
The National Careers Service website has been renamed Get careers information and advice, although the URL and existing links will remain unchanged.
Applicable to England only. Careers services are devolved in Scotland (Skills Development Scotland – My World of Work ) and Wales (Careers Wales).
