The DWP has been given new powers to tackle benefit fraud
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)has said it is ramping up its efforts to catch those who are claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) fraudulently. Experts at Stuart Miller have explained how people may be able to tell if they are being investigated by the DWP.
Its solicitors have said “no-one is immune from DWP investigation.” For anyone facing a formal probe, the DWP has said The DWP has said those facing its scrutiny will be notified by post, phone or email, depending on your provided contact details.
This heads up will clarify whether you should prepare for a visit from a Fraud Investigation Officer or an interview – though the DWP may first compile sufficient evidence before letting you know. Currently, investigators can look into wealth of evidence linked to you and your benefits claims, from personal interviews to bank statements, and can even go through social media to construct a clearer picture of you – all of which could potentially serve as legal evidence.
Investigations into PIP claims could see your contacts at work, school, or other institutions being reached out to confirm the details you’ve disclosed. Specifically for PIP, probes could be sparked by allegations or doubts about the honesty of your account regarding your condition, its severity, or any unreported changes to the DWP, reports the Express.
Such changes might be alterations in your health status as advised by a medical professional or if the duration of your condition deviates from what was reported initially.
