DWP will conduct checks to verify or withdraw post Covid UC claims

DWP will conduct checks to verify or withdraw post Covid UC claims

10:23 AM, 20th May 2021, About 3 years ago 6

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People who applied for Universal Credit as Covid hit could be subject to a benefits check by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Citizens Advice sets out the need-to-knows on the DWP’s Trust and Protect scheme, and the steps that should be taken to ensure benefits are not withdrawn.

What is the ‘Trust and Protect’ scheme?

In the early stages of the pandemic last year, the DWP introduced new measures to make sure people could apply for benefits quickly, without the need to visit a Jobcentre. This meant that some of the requirements relating to proof of identity, housing costs and household circumstances were eased.

The DWP is now looking at all claims made in the early stages of the pandemic and asking people for this evidence to support their application. People who claimed New Style JSA and New Style ESA last spring may also be contacted.

How will the DWP make contact?

DWP will make contact via the claimant’s online journal or a call from the Jobcentre. This may show up as a withheld number.

If claimants struggling to manage their online claim for any reason – including lack of access to a computer – they should be able to change to a non-digital claim. Citizens Advice can support this.

What happens if evidence cannot be provided?

If the right evidence cannot be provided, or contact by officials seeking to verify claims cannot be made, payments could be stopped or changed.

Citizens Advice benefits expert Lawrence Barratt says: 

“If you applied for Universal Credit in the early stages of the pandemic then the DWP may contact you for some additional information to support your claim.

“To ensure you don’t lose out on money you’re entitled to, make sure the contact information in your online journal is up to date. It’s also important to respond to any calls or emails from the DWP as soon as possible. If you don’t, there’s a risk your benefit payments could be stopped or changed.

“Citizens Advice can support you with free, independent advice if you’re struggling to provide the evidence you need or have any other questions about Universal Credit.”


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Comments

Reluctant Landlord

13:21 PM, 21st May 2021, About 3 years ago

Just had a load of tenants call me up asking for copies of paperwork that I have already sent them, as DWP are now on the phone asking for them for evidence, so yes it's happening!

Mick Roberts

17:33 PM, 23rd May 2021, About 3 years ago

Yes I've had loads in the last 2 months too, ask me for proof of rent. And yes, I'd already gave them this last year, but alas us Landlords are always looked at for answers.

Reluctant Landlord

9:54 AM, 24th May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 23/05/2021 - 17:33
trouble is if we don't, we don't get rent paid!

The Forever Tenant

10:40 AM, 24th May 2021, About 3 years ago

I can only imagine how much stress dealing with the DWP must give you.

They cause a massive headache for me doing something as simple as reporting my childcare costs.

One of their people wants the information one way, so you submit the details next month the way they want it. But next month someone else looks at the submission and rejects it as it was not submitted in the way the second person wants it.

Repeat for month 3 with third person looking at the next submission.

I'm usually having to make 2-3 submissions a month for something that entirely documented with evidence and even then that cannot guarantee they will accept. It's an absolute joke.

Mick Roberts

11:14 AM, 24th May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 24/05/2021 - 09:54
Yes and DWP wun't dare thinking of asking the Landlord for this very important rent proof. The Landlord who may not lie & who may not decrease it, so the tenant doesn't get affected by the Benefit Cap when tenant puts £50pm rent down & DWP don't question it.
DWP need to be investigated for the homeless they are causing.

Mick Roberts

11:15 AM, 24th May 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by The Forever Tenant at 24/05/2021 - 10:40
Some weeks 40% of my time is took through dealing with DWP mistakes.

Yes they have no continuity, took load of kids on, who have no idea of anything other than the computer tells them.

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