Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Independent Benefits Support ("we", "us") collects, uses and protects personal information you provide when using our website or services.
Who we are
Independent Benefits Support is an independent UK-based service providing benefit form support, evidence review and assessment preparation. We are not affiliated with the DWP, government, HMRC, HMCTS, NHS or Citizens Advice.
For data protection enquiries, please use the contact form on our website.
Information we collect
We may collect the following information when you contact us or use our services:
- Your name and email address
- Your phone number (if provided)
- Information about your benefit situation that you choose to share
- Details of the support you are requesting
- Payment confirmation information from Stripe (we do not store card details — these are handled directly by Stripe)
How we use your information
We use your information to:
- Respond to your enquiry
- Provide the support service you have paid for
- Contact you about your support
- Comply with legal obligations
We will not use your information for marketing without your consent. We will not sell or share your information with third parties except where required to deliver your service or where required by law.
Sensitive information
Some information you share may relate to health, disability and financial circumstances. We treat this information with care and use it only for the purpose of providing the support you have requested. Please only share what is necessary for us to help you.
Legal basis for processing
- Contract: To deliver the support service you have paid for.
- Legitimate interests: To respond to your enquiries and improve our service.
- Consent: Where you have given consent via the enquiry form consent checkbox.
Data retention
We retain your information for as long as is necessary to deliver the service and comply with legal obligations. If you wish to request deletion of your data, please contact us.
Your rights
Under UK data protection law (UK GDPR), you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your information
- Object to processing of your information
- Request restriction of processing
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk
Cookies
This website does not use tracking or advertising cookies. Any cookies used are essential for the website to function. We do not use analytics cookies without your consent.
Third parties
- Stripe: Payment processing. Stripe handles payment information directly. We do not store your card details. See Stripe's Privacy Policy.
- Netlify: Website hosting and form submission. See Netlify's Privacy Policy.
- Google Fonts: Typography loaded from Google servers. See Google's Privacy Policy.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The date at the top of this page reflects the most recent update.
Contact
For data protection questions or requests, please use the contact form on our website.