DWP could change Universal Credit payments as it reviews thousands of benefit claims

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is reviewing thousands of Universal Credit claims

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently scrutinising thousands of Universal Credit claims. Previously, the benefits department announced it would be carrying out targeted case reviews to help minimise fraud and error within the system.

To facilitate this, the DWP has employed 2,000 review agents and 1,400 counter fraud professionals, with plans to inspect millions of Universal Credit claims over the next four years. Despite the scheme being initially launched under the former Tory Government, it will persist under Labour, who are also striving to tackle fraud within the benefit system.

As per DWP guidance on GOV.UK, your claim may be reviewed to ensure "you're getting the right payment and support", reports the Mirror.

The guidance further stated: "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."

For those undergoing a review of their Universal Credit claim, they will be required to present documents pertaining to their financial situation. This includes bank statements, housing expenditure, earned income or other sources of income, self-employment details, student finance information, and childcare costs.

Additionally, its important to provide details about children in your care and any caring responsibilities you may have. The DWP has emphasised: "You'll need to send DWP some documents to confirm your details and have a phone interview."

The investigation into your case could indicate that the amount of Universal Credit you receive is either too much or not enough. The DWP cautions that failing to partake in the interview may result in the cessation of payments.

Should there be a necessity to alter your Universal Credit, notification will occur via your online account, leading to adjustments in subsequent payments. This adjustment might entail receiving an additional sum compensating for previous shortfalls, or a deduction to rectify any overpayments.

If the outcome delivered by the DWP does not align with your views, you have the right to request a mandatory reconsideration.

In May, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed that after reviewing "hundreds of thousands" of claims this year, they uncovered issues in about 25% which required correction. An update from the DWP clarified: "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."

Additionally, the DWP has indicated it has implemented measures to safeguard claimants, with particular attention to detecting vulnerabilities and complexities that can affect a persons ability to manage their claim accurately, such as declaring changes in circumstances or reporting relevant information that influences entitlement amounts.