P-61,
(a) try a talk with your local Citizens Advice Bureau - they are more up to date on benefit regs than I am, and
(b) for contribution based benefits, ISTR they are based on the contribution year (tax year) prior to the calendar year - your contributions in 2000/01 will only be "usable" from next month.
So get that advice, and try another claim in January. (If you still need it, hope you don't!)
Regards,
Tocsin.