PIP claimants are set to face more rigorous checks on new claims and changes in details next year, and specialist criminal defence solicitors at Stuart Miller have clarified how individuals can identify if they are under investigation by the DWP and the extent of the department’s powers during such probes. The firm underlined: “To put it plainly, no-one is immune from DWP investigation.”
The legal experts pointed out that if a formal investigation commences, the Department for Work and Pensions will alert the individual through post, telephone, or email, based on the contact method they possess. This notification will also inform you if an interview is required or if a Fraud Investigation Officer might visit.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that there may not be immediate notification at the commencement of an investigation as the DWP must gather sufficient evidence first. At present, investigators can collect extensive evidence connected to you and your benefit claims, assessing entitlement accuracy.
Evidence procured can range from interviews with you or acquaintances, inspection of bank statements, review of correspondences, and evaluation of audio-visual materials. The spokesperson highlighted the fact that even your social media activity could be scrutinised to help build a clearer picture which can then be utilised as evidence.
Additionally, inquiries might extend to people at your workplace, educational institution, or other relevant organisations to corroborate reported information, reports Teesside Live.
For those in receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), it’s crucial to be aware that investigations may kick off due to reports or doubts about the accuracy of information concerning one’s condition, its effect on daily living or failing to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about any changes to your disability. These changes might involve alterations to your medical situation such as a change in severity, diagnosis, prognosis, or how long your condition is expected to last, which differs from what you’ve relayed to the DWP.
Labour has been fervent in tackling benefit fraud within the Department for Work and Pensions, initiating with the Fraud, Error, and Debt Bill — gaining media attention by expanding the department’s powers to investigate and collaborate with banks to access information on claimants’ accounts.
Before the bill’s enforcement, MP Andrew Western made it clear that current PIP recipients altering their particulars or new claimants will undergo “more rigorous checks”. He also pointed out an increase in training for case managers and healthcare professionals within the benefits framework to boost their ability to spot and report questionable activities.