DWP launches 'review' of Universal Credit and could reduce payments

According to DWP guidance on GOV.UK, your claim might be reviewed to make sure "you're getting the right payment and support".

The Department for Work and Pensions could change Universal Credit payments as it reviews thousands of benefit claims. According to DWP guidance on GOV.UK, your claim might be reviewed to make sure "you're getting the right payment and support".

Worryingly, if there's a mistake, you could have your payments reduced. The DWP previously hired 2,000 review agents and 1,400 counter fraud professionals and said millions of Universal Credit claims would be checked over the next four years in a crackdown on fraud under the previous Conservative Party government.

The clampdown from the Tories will be conducted under the Labour Party government, too, as Labour leaders hand the DWP powers to check bank accounts and snoop on people's earnings and savings to try and crack down on overpayments and benefit fraud.

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According to DWP guidance on GOV.UK, your claim might be reviewed to make sure "you're getting the right payment and support". The guidance added: "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." The guidance added: "You’ll need to send DWP some documents to confirm your details and have a phone interview."

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.

You’ll get a message in your online account asking to see your ID and bank statements. You might also need to share documents about your circumstances and the amount of Universal Credit you’re getting.