Online benefit applications temporarily unavailable during system upgrade

We are making some essential improvements to our IT systems as we prepare to launch Pension Age Disability Payment, which means some of our services will be unavailable at certain times this week.
We are continually looking to improve our systems to make applying for benefits as straightforward as possible. This system downtime is necessary for us to make improvements.
Applying online
Online applications for our benefits and the digital portal to upload supporting documents will be unavailable from 6pm on Thursday 17 October until 8am on Monday 21 October.
People applying for low-income benefits will have the option to fill out a paper application form that can be posted to us.
People uploading documents to support their application can choose to send information to us by post.
Speaking to an adviser
Telephone lines and webchat, which people can use to speak to an adviser to support them with an application, will be unavailable for a short period.
Phone lines and webchat will close from 5pm on Thursday 17 October until 8am on Monday 21 October 2024.
We apologise for any inconvenience. We will return to full service at 8am on Monday 21 October and people will be able to make online applications and speak to one of our client advisers as normal.