Difficulties regarding benefits are increasingly an issue for people. At a time when there are seemingly endless changes to the way benefits are distributed it is all too easy to fall foul of the legislation, simply by being unware of your rights and responsibilities. At Qamar Solicitors we understand how important it is to protect your benefits, and we strive to ensure that you and your family are provided for during what can be a stressful and anxious time.
What is benefit fraud?
There are a number of actions which might be considered as benefit fraud – and these actions can be either deliberate - or genuine mistakes.
They might include giving false or inaccurate information to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), a Jobcentre or the council. If you are worried that you might have unintentionally misled officials regarding your status as a recipient of benefits (for example, if there are changes to the number of people living in your home, or if you have been able to earn money in a part-time job), it is very important to notify the appropriate agencies as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, you may find that you receive a letter asking you to attend a local council office or a DWP office to be interview under caution.
When might I be asked to attend a benefit interview?
You may be asked to attend a benefit interview if investigators have reason to suspect that you have deliberately misled them. They may believe there is something which affects your benefits which you have deliberately failed to tell them, because you do not want your benefits reduced.
If you are suspected of having undertaken fraudulent activities, you will be interviewed under caution, in a very similar way to interviews undertaken at a police station.
However, it is important to remember that you have not necessarily done anything wrong, only that they wish to understand your position, and the benefits you are entitled to.
Who will carry out the interview?
Depending on your circ*mstances and where you live, you may be interviewed by the DWP, your local authority, or someone from the Single Fraud Investigation Service.
They will read out a caution explaining your rights, and the interview will be recorded.
What is a compliance interview?
A compliance interview is slightly different from an interview under caution. These are spot checks undertaken by the Compliance Section. If you are asked to attend a Compliance Interview you are not suspected of fraudulent activity: it is just a random check to ensure they have all the right details.
How can we help?
You are entitled to seek legal advice – and it is best to do so as soon as you have received the letter asking you attend the interview. Contact the expert benefits and criminal defence lawyers at Qamar Solicitors who will ensure you are fully supported during the interview. We will help you understand precisely what the interview is intended to achieve, possible outcomes, and provide an accurate and full account of your activities.
The law surrounding benefit fraud can be complex and intimidating, and with Qamar Solicitors acting on your behalf we can make sure you are fully prepared for the interview, and help prevent you from being unfairly treated or prosecuted.
Legal aid is no longer available for benefit interviews, and we understand that you need an efficient, effective service that offers true value for money.
FAQs
Action can include removing a person's benefits and taking them to court. Sometimes no action is taken. The person may have declared a change in their circ*mstances or their benefit may not be affected by what you report.
What triggers a DWP investigation? ›
Below are a few example situations that might lead to you facing an investigation: Living with a person who is contributing to your household income, and then not declaring that additional contribution when applying for benefits. Faking your accounts to make it appear that you have less money than you actually have.
What is a benefit compliance interview? ›
A DWP compliance interview is a meeting arranged by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure you are receiving the correct benefits and providing accurate information. These interviews can occur for various reasons, such as routine checks or due to a report of a change in your circ*mstances.
What is a notice of compliance telephone interview with the DWP? ›
A Notice of a Compliance Telephone Interview with the DWP is the formal letter sent to those whom the DWP are suspicious or curious about. The notice informs the recipient that they must participate in a telephone interview to check the accuracy of the information provided on their benefit applications or claims.
How do you know if Social Security is investigating you? ›
Typically, when the SSA decides to start an investigation, they will have an investigator follow you at your Consultative Exam. The people who follow you are not police officers. The reason the SSA may spy on you at your Consultative Exam is that they know you will be at the exam.
Can the DWP check your bank account? ›
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) oversees benefits and pensions in the UK. As part of their oversight and to check if the correct amount of funds are being sent to individuals and prevent fraud, the DWP can and do run checks on bank accounts.
How do they catch benefit cheats? ›
the person's benefit may be stopped. they may be visited by Fraud Investigation Officers (FIOs) they may be asked to attend an interview to talk about their claim. FIOs will gather facts about the case and decide whether to take further action.
Can DWP listen to your phone calls? ›
It is common for the DWP to use covert and overt CCTV and audio recording of interviews, telephone conversations etc and does not appear to have any obligation to inform anyone when such recording is taking place.
Can the DWP check my social media? ›
Most common types of evidence
Investigators may also check your social media accounts and search your online profiles for pictures, location check-ins, and other evidence which may or may not be useful to them.
What questions are asked in a benefit interview? ›
In-depth questions
What kind of benefits do you feel interns should have in an organization? How would you determine which employee benefits to expand or eliminate? How do you research and propose new benefits policies? What kind of benefits would you recommend to our company for remote employees?
Employers seek key Compliance skills during interviews, including a strong understanding of relevant regulations, meticulous attention to detail, effective communication for policy dissemination, and the ability to conduct comprehensive risk assessments.
What questions are asked in compensation and benefits interview? ›
Soft skills interview questions
- How do you prioritize and manage competing demands and multiple projects as a Compensation and Benefits Specialist?
- Describe a time when you had to communicate a difficult or complex message to a stakeholder. ...
- Tell us about a time when you had to problem solve a complex issue.
Once the interview is complete, the DWP will review the information provided and decide on your application. Depending on the outcome of your application, you may receive an offer of benefits or be required to attend further interviews or provide additional evidence.
Why would a compliance officer call me? ›
This is a scam. They would not call and ask for your location. This is all meant to get money and personal data. They are trying to scare you.
How long is a DWP interview? ›
What candidates say about the interview process at D.W.P. The interview process isnt to bad but be ready to wait over a month, the first part is a standard application then a month later i did a video application and a month after that they asked for my refe… On average it takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after a compliance telephone interview? ›
Once the interview is complete, the DWP will review the information provided and decide on your application. Depending on the outcome of your application, you may receive an offer of benefits or be required to attend further interviews or provide additional evidence.
Can Universal Credit check my savings account? ›
Can Universal Credit Check My Savings Accounts? Yes, just in the same manner DWP can check your bank accounts during an investigation, they can also check your savings accounts. They can also request up to date savings account statements as part of their investigation.
What benefits are not affected by savings? ›
The following benefits are not affected by income or savings: Disability Living Allowance. Personal Independence Payments. New Style Jobseeker's Allowance.
How much savings can I have on Universal Credit? ›
When your capital is £6,250 or less, your Universal Credit will be reduced by £4.35 a month until the value of your capital is £6,000 or less. Once your capital is £6,000 or less, your Universal Credit will no longer be reduced. If you have capital valued at £16,000 or more, you are not entitled to Universal Credit.
