PlymouthLive readers have had a mixed reaction to the news that PIP claimants are facing increased scrutiny around new claims and detail changes in the coming year. Expert criminal defence solicitors at Stuart Miller have outlined indications of a DWP investigation and the extent of the department’s powers. They said: “To put it plainly, no-one is immune from DWP investigation.”
The specialists explained that individuals will be informed about formal investigations by the Department for Work and Pensions through post, telephone, or email. This notification is to alert you of a potential visit from a Fraud Investigation Officer or an interview request.
However, it’s possible that you may not be alerted at the beginning of their probe as they collate evidence. Presently, investigators can collate various forms of evidence about benefit claims, to check you are entitled to what you are getting.
This may include interviewing friends, reviewing bank statements, obtaining copies of correspondence, and analysing audio or visual materials. The experts stressed that social media platforms could be checked by the DWP to construct a clearer picture of a situation and gather evidence.
Investigations may be initiated based on reports or suspicions that you may have been dishonest about your condition, the severity of its impact on your life, or failed to inform the DWP of any changes to your disability. These changes could include doctors informing you that your condition is worsening, improving, providing a different diagnosis or prognosis, or if your condition will last for a shorter or longer time than you reported to the DWP.
Labour has made tackling benefit fraud a key part of their plans for the Department for Work and Pensions. This initiative began with the Fraud, Error, and Debt Bill, which gained attention for expanding the department’s investigative powers and allowing banks to collaborate with the department and provide information about claimant’s accounts.
Commenter Nevermindthebollo says: “So, nothing different from when the Tories were in power then?”
AJGreen replies: “That’s right. The state, and the taxpayers, want benefits to reach the deserving, not the scroungers, fiddlers and fraudsters.
“This isn’t political, it’s essential. State benefits need to be reviewed case by case on a regular basis. The taxpayers money used for benefits needs to be justified. Anyone claiming benefits legally has no worries. Only those bucking the system need to fret, and rightly so.”
Oneofmany thinks: “Once the dishonest are purged from the system there will be no need for constant checking and rechecking. May as well ask for world peace, just as much chance of getting the population of this planet to behave honestly!”
Jeanearl believes: “Labour sure knows how to go after those with the broadest shoulders – the pensioners shivering in the cold, the kids living in poverty, the WASPI women, the sick and disabled trying to claim benefits, who is next?”
Billwizz replies: “You do know that benefit fraud costs YOU money? Where do you think that money comes from? It doesn’t matter which party’s in power. This article isn’t about those who are genuinely in need; they’ve got nothing to worry about.”
DavePlym58 retorts: “As usual you get the naïve thinking they are going to catch fraudsters, be not deceived, this is just another LABOUR ploy to stop benefits for the disabled. You can guarantee they will hit at least a large percentage of genuine claimants. This is just another bullying tactic and another attack on the vulnerable and the disabled.”
IreneMartin says: “Some people are claiming PIP that shouldn’t be, or claiming the highest rate including a car. They are stealing tax payers money. I can assure you Labour will be fairer and will only investigate the right people.
“They will get real medical information from your doctors and consultants. This will not happen with Labour because they know how to treat people. They are trying to make up the money and services the Tories stole from us. Honest people will not be worried at all. And people not getting enough will be graded up.”
Do you think the new investigations will be effective in stopping benefit fraud? Have your say in our comments section.