US EditionDWP confirms which benefits will be targeted first in bank checks crackdown - Liverpool Echo
- The Department for Work and Pensions released an update detailing how individuals claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit, and Employment and Support Allowance will be targeted in new bank account checks, set to begin in 2026 with the implementation of the Public Authorities Bill.
- The government aims to save £8.6 billion over five years by cracking down on benefit fraud, addressing the almost £10 billion lost annually due to fraud and error in the social security system, and the £35 billion incorrectly paid since the pandemic.
- The DWP will require banks and financial institutions to cross-check benefit claimants' accounts against 'specific eligibility indicators' based on benefit qualification rules, such as the £16,000 capital limit for Universal Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, and Housing Benefit .
- When a bank receives an eligibility verification alert, it will share information with the DWP, including account details, the account-holder's name and date of birth, and triggered eligibility indicators; however, the DWP clarifies that these powers will not grant access to claimants' bank accounts or information on how they spend their money.
- While the initial focus is on benefits with the highest incorrect payments, other benefits could be added in the future with Parliamentary approval through affirmative regulations, excluding the State Pension, and a human will always be involved in decisions affecting benefit awards or eligibility.
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DWP confirms three benefits targeted by new bank checks clampdown first
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated the public regarding the crackdown on benefit fraud after the Government announced the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill
·Wales, United Kingdom
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