Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will permit dedicated representatives to submit applications for short term benefit advances on behalf of claimants who are awaiting their first payment of jobseeker's allowance or employment and support allowance.

Whilst the application for the Short Term Benefit Advance must come from the claimant or their appointee, the Department acknowledges that representatives and key workers can be very helpful, both in supporting the individual, and by offering advice to staff on recognising support needs and how this impacts on the individual’s ability to access the Department’s benefits and services. Once the claimant has confirmed that they are willing to let the third party speak on their behalf, the Department will accept information from the third party.