In its latest crackdown on fraud and error, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has affirmed it is issuing urgent messages to Universal Credit claimants.
Authorities are conducting 'targeted case reviews' to check if people really qualify for the benefits they receive.
DWP Launches Universal Credit Reviews
In a move to combat fraud, the DWP asserts it plans to review “millions” of Universal Credit claims over the next four years. It says in its guidance : “Your Universal Credit claim might be reviewed to make sure you're getting the right payment and support. If your claim is going to be reviewed, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact you and let you know through your online account. You'll need to send DWP some documents to confirm your details and have a phone interview. If you do not attend the interview, your payment could be stopped.”
People selected for a targeted case review will receive a message in their online account asking them to verify their ID and bank statements. They might also be required to share documents about their situations and the amount of Universal Credit they're receiving.
Claimants may be asked to provide records to show their housing costs, earnings or other sources of income, self-employment, savings, children, childcare expenses, medical conditions, student finance, and caregiving duties. The case review might determine that you're getting either excessive or inadequate Universal Credit payment.
If changes are required to your Universal Credit, you will receive a message on your online account. Future payments will be revised, and you could receive either an additional amount to compensate for what you've missed or deductions to recoup any excess amount you shouldn't have received.
DWP Hires Anti-fraud Agents for Universal Credit Reviews
In a recent update regarding the revisions issued in May 2024, the DWP asserted it had hired 2,000 targeted case review agents to verify Universal Credit claims along with 1,400 new anti-fraud specialists to help root out fraudulent claimants. The targeted case reviews staff is poised to be expanded to 6,000 by March 2025 and the DWP says it aims to have verified millions of Universal Credit applications to save £6.6 billion by the end of the fiscal year 2027/28.
The DWP stated: “This year we have reviewed over 200,000 claims, finding and putting right incorrect declarations on almost 50,000 claims, and stopping individuals from building up debts. This has included finding unreported capital of over £16,000, wrongly declared self-employment expenses, and undisclosed second homes.
“This demonstrates the vital role targeted case reviews are playing in addressing unreported changes in circumstances, reminding customers of their commitment to keep us updated on changes to their circumstances to help them avoid unnecessary debt, and catching those trying to take advantage of the welfare system.”
It included: “We have robust measures and safeguards in place to support customers through a review of their claim. All our staff undergo training to ensure they can recognise signs of risk or complex needs that can impact the claimant's ability to manage their claim or take part in a review.
“For example, we offer a call at the start of each review to explain the process, answer any questions and help identify those that may need additional support. Where necessary, staff can tailor their approach on a case-by-case basis and decide the correct course of action, in some circumstances this includes pausing the review and referring for additional support.”