The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has finally spoken out about the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants. DWP minister and Labour MP Andrew Western has vowed to crack down on fraudulent PIP claims, stating: “DWP is committed to tackling fraud and error in the benefits system and to the recovery of debts, including those generated by Personal Independent Payments. Working closely with counter-fraud experts, the DWP has introduced measures to prevent fraud from entering the system based on the types of cases and trends we have seen.”
He further outlined the department’s strategy, saying the DWP will strengthen the “Identity and Verification Process to prevent fraudulent cases entering the system” and implement “more rigorous checks for customers changing personal details, including bank accounts.”
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Additionally, he mentioned that the DWP is delivering awareness sessions for Case Managers and Healthcare Professionals, reinforcing action to take when suspicious cases are identified, e.g. fake documents and highlighted the department’s ongoing counter-fraud. He added: “DWP is delivering against key counter fraud activity, including investing in counter fraud professionals and building data analytical capabilities.”
Western also touched on upcoming legislation, noting: “The new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill will bring forward new measures to tackle fraud in the system. Details on the measures Government will be legislating will be presented to Parliament in due course.”
For more comprehensive information on how the DWP addresses fraud and error across all benefit streams, he directed individuals to the DWP website.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is dedicated to combating fraud and error in the benefits system, as well as recovering debts. The first part of the Fraud, Error and Debt Report details what the DWP has done to address overpayments and prevent loss.
This section examines performance against the fraud and error target, including the Department’s counter-fraud functions, savings from these activities in addition to upfront controls, and reporting on the 2023 to 2024 Fraud and Error National Statistics. The chapter also highlights where the DWP is making further progress through investment in data analytics and system changes to reduce overpayment levels in key loss areas.
DWP warns bank account checks for people who claim PIP to become ‘more rigorous’