A benefit claimant has questioned whether the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) would ‘snoop on their bank accounts’ or ‘ask for everything back’ if they were spotted ‘walking without their stick’ on a good day. The concerns arose when they were awarded enhanced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rates at tribunal.
Taking to Reddit, they said that they had tried to give “genuine, unmasked answers” to questions asked, and were in “shock” after being given higher rates of payment in both the daily living and mobility components. However now they were having “intrusive thoughts” about whether they would be penalised for going about their every day life.
They posted: “Now my brain is like ‘Oh my God, they will see me walking on a good day without my stick and ask for everything back’. But I spoke on my experiences at least 50 per cent of the time. I think I’m looking for reassurance that I’m allowed to spend the money when it comes in?”
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The forum user continued: “I’m allowed to continue as my dynamic disability does – some days stick, some days bus, some days stuck in my house…. I think the sensationalist articles about snooping on bank accounts intimidates me. But I also earn my normal wage, so I believe I can spend what I want!”
The sole reply to the post urged them not to worry, adding: “The DWP does not monitor claimants unless there’s an active benefit fraud investigation, and if so there needs to be significant evidence of benefit fraud first for monitoring to be authorised. The DWP does not have the resources to monitor claimants on that big a scale.
“Everyone with a disability has good days and bad days, it’s perfectly reasonable for you to be outside without your stick if you’re having a ‘good day’ and can manage on that occasion. You can also spend your PIP on whatever you want, it’s yours and can’t be clawed back unless you’ve been found to be committing benefit fraud (which you’re not).”
They added: “Don’t feel bad about claiming PIP, it’s there to help you improve your independence which has been hampered by your medical conditions. As you were awarded at tribunal, a panel of experts determined that you are eligible for PIP. There is no higher body that can decide on your eligibility who knows more than the tribunal do, the tribunal applies the law to your case. The law said that you’re eligible.”
The gov.uk website states people would be committing benefit fraud by claiming benefits they were not entitled to on purpose. This would include not reporting a change in circumstances or providing false information.
Those suspected of fraud would be contacted by the DWP, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Defence Business Services or their local authority. They may also be visited by Fraud Investigation Officers (FIO), or asked to attend an interview to talk about their claim, which was called an ‘interview under caution’. FIOs will gather facts about cases and decide whether further action was needed.