Criminal defence solicitors have shed light on how people can see if they are under investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It comes with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimants bracing for increased scrutiny on new claims and changes in detail come the new year.
They stated: “To put it plainly, no-one is immune from DWP investigation.” The legal experts pointed out that in the case of formal investigations, the DWP will inform you through post, telephone, or email, depending on your preferred method of contact.
This communication will indicate whether you should expect a visit from a Fraud Investigation Officer or if an interview is required. However, it’s important to note that you may not be notified immediately at the beginning of an investigation, as the DWP gathers sufficient evidence to determine whether further investigation is justified.
The range of evidence that investigators can collect is extensive. It encompasses interviews with you or acquaintances, bank statements, copies of correspondence, audio recordings, and visual material such as videos or photographs.
The solicitors highlighted that even your social media activity could be scrutinised to construct a clearer picture of your circumstances, which could then be used as evidence. Additionally, people from your workplace, educational institution, or other related organisations might be approached to confirm the accuracy of the information you’ve provided.
For Personal Independence Payment (PIP) specifically, investigations can be initiated due to reports or suspicions of misleading information about one’s condition, its impact on daily life, or failure to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of any changes. Such changes could include varying medical opinions or alterations in the expected duration of your condition, reports Teesside Live.
Labour has been focusing on combating benefit fraud within the DWP, a campaign that began with the Fraud, Error, and Debt Bill, which expanded the department’s investigative reach and facilitated collaboration with banks to access claimant account details.
Before the bill’s implementation, MP Andrew Western announced that both new applicants and existing PIP claimants updating their details would undergo “more rigorous checks”. He also pointed out that case managers and healthcare professionals in the benefits system will receive enhanced training to better spot and report any dubious activities.