Benefit claimants may feel as though the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is constantly monitoring them, but it’s important to understand what the department can actually see and how to identify if you’re under investigation.
With the DWP‘s own figures suggesting that millions of pounds are lost to benefit fraud each year, eligibility crackdowns are putting pressure on some individuals to prove their entitlement to payments.
For the financial year ending 2024 3.7% (£9.7 billion) of total benefit expenditure was overpaid due to fraud and error, DWP figures show.
In a crackdown on this under the Fraud, Error and Debt Bill, brought forward by the Labour government, investigators will have new powers including requiring banks and financial institutions to share data that may show indications of potential benefit overpayments – including highlighting savings.
However, until and if this law comes into force this perceived omnipresence, the DWP‘s surveillance capacity is limited, particularly when a claimant isn’t actively being investigated. If suspicions of benefit fraud arise, claimants will typically be notified relatively soon after these suspicions are reported, which is usually what triggers an investigation.
Occasionally, the department may conduct a random check, although this is uncommon. Depending on the type of benefits claimed and the seriousness of the accusations under investigation, claimants may be contacted by either the DWP, HMRC, Defence Business Services or their local authority.
It’s worth noting that due to investigation procedures, your benefits may be temporarily halted while the investigation is ongoing, but you will receive a letter explaining this if it applies to your situation.
Citizen’s Advice recommends seeking guidance from an adviser who can inform you about potential financial assistance if you find yourself struggling financially during a benefits investigation.
If you’re suspected of benefit fraud, brace yourself for a possible visit from a Fraud Investigations Officer or an “interview under caution” that could be used in criminal proceedings, with these procedures aimed to gather information about your situation.
Not all interruptions in benefits or queries mean you’re under investigation, Citizen’s Advice points out, adding that the DWP conducts regular checks to ensure correct benefit payouts.
Expert solicitors at JD Solicitors observe that investigations often span a few months, though certain complex cases might drag on for years, while others wrap up swiftly within weeks.
The DWP, enhancing its monitoring capabilities, is aiming to have strengthened authority to demand cooperation from financial institutions about benefit claimants to verify their eligibility – this isn’t viewing account details directly but ensuring accuracy in benefits awarded, and if the measures are approved, they can tell banks to supply the information.
Claimants might also be asked to provide information about any lifestyle changes that could have impacted your benefits. You may need to provide evidence of this, such as a doctor’s letter for those trying to prove their condition hasn’t changed, or bills showing who lives in your household.
If you’re claiming Universal Credit, you might be asked to provide copies of your passport, tenancy agreement, or even photos of yourself outside your home as part of the investigation.
For more information on what happens if a person is suspected of carrying out benefit fraud click here.
