Our research found that some LGBTQ+ people might think that social security benefits are “not for me”. This could be:
- Because you are apprehensive of accessing the system;
- If you are out-of-work, you expect to get work quickly;
- If you are a parent, you might think you are not eligible because you are not a heterosexual parent.
It is important to claim social security benefits you may be eligible for, as soon as possible. The money you receive can make a big difference to your life, and it can be difficult to back-date a claim.
Being LGBT+ claiming benefits
Being LGBT+ might have no impact on your benefits claim at all. In fact, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), or another social security organisation, might not even ever know you are LGBTQ+.
However, you might find yourself having to come out, or feel awkward in some situations. For example:
- You might be asked about your partner, and staff might make an assumption about the gender of a partner you might have to correct;
- Trans claimants might be mis-gendered within administrative processes;
- A work coach might suggest you apply for a job that is not appropriate, or does not feel safe, for you.
These are all situations that can be managed easily, but it is useful to know in advance.
Jobcentre Plus
If you are claiming Universal Credit, or some other benefits, then it is likely you will be required to attend regular meetings at a Jobcentre Plus (a “Job Centre”). This can be a daunting thought.
Jobcentre Plus offices can be unwelcoming environments – you might be greeted by a security guard on your way in. But the DWP can do things to make your experience better. These include:
- You can ask to use a private meeting room, if you do not want to talk about something in the open-plan environment.
- You can also ask to manage your claim at a different Jobcentre Plus, for example if your local centre is in a close-knit community where you are not “out”, or if you feel unsafe in that location.
Help and support
The social security system is very complex, and can be difficult to understand and navigate. We would recommend you access specialist welfare benefits advice. Citizens Advice Bureau (and Cyngor
ar Bopeth/Citizens Advice Wales; and Citizens Advice Scotland) offer inclusive support to claimants across the country.
Your local council may also have a welfare advice service. If you are a tenant of a social landlord (a housing association, housing cooperative, or a local council) they might also have a welfare advice service.
Trans benefit claimants
The experience of trans benefits is quite different to that of cisgender people, and trans people can experience specific barriers or issues. Because of this, we have written this trans-specific guide to claiming benefits.