Alternative methods of contacting a Benefit Delivery Centre.

Jobcentre Plus processes over 15,000 new benefit claims every day. Telephoning a Benefit Delivery Centre is our preferred method because it has significant advantages for customers.

• They can make calls from the privacy of their own home.
• The operator has instant access to the customer's information and so can quickly and accurately respond to enquiries.
• Customers have access to a pool of experts in benefits.

All of which can help to speed up enquiries, provide the answers and reassurance customers are looking for and help to ensure customers are paid the right money at the right time.

However, there will be times when a customer is not able to make use of the telephone. To assist these customers, there are a number of alterative methods.

• All Benefit Delivery Centres have a dedicated PO box number.
• Benefit application forms can be downloaded from the Jobcentre Plus website for some areas.
• Benefit application forms and advice on how to complete these, are available at high street Jobcentre Plus Offices.
• Home visits can be arranged where other alternatives are not practical for the customer, for example due to serious illness or disability.

Stakeholders can discuss what local arrangements are in place with their local External Relations Manager.

As each BDC goes live, customers and local voluntary and advisory organisations receive a leaflet through the post providing them with the contact details, and posters are displayed in jobcentres and other appropriate locations