John Paul Marks says PIP video assessments are being trialled
PIP payments are given to those with long-term disabilities or health conditions to help them manage the additional costs of managing those. From 2018 to 2019, £330m was overpaid by the Government to PIP claimants. But if you are suspected of benefit fraud, can the DWP monitor your bank account?
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What is PIP?
PIP is extra money given to eligible individuals each week depending on how much they have suffered as a result of a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition.
The payments are given to people depending on the extent to which one’s life is impacted by their condition, rather than the condition itself.
PIP claimants could receive up to £151.40 a week, depending on the impact of their condition.
READ MORE:PIP: What other benefits can you get a top-up on if you receive PIP?
PIP fraud: (Image: GETTY)
PIP fraud: PIP is given to those who have long-term health conditions (Image: GETTY)
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- PIP eligibility: Who can claim PIP? Full list
Who is eligible for PIP?
All claimants are assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get.
To be eligible you must have a health condition or disability where you have:
Experienced difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for three months
Expectations for these difficulties will continue for at least nine months.
It is broken down into two parts: the daily living part and the mobility part.
The daily living part is for the extra help you need with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, washing or preparing food and the mobility rates for the extra help you need getting around which can include moving, planning a journey or following a route.
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PIP fraud: What is PIP? (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)
Does the Department for Work and Pensions monitor your bank account if you receive PIP?
The DWP is able to access anyone’s bank account as long as they are investigating that individual on the suspicion of fraud.
Under the Social Security Administration Act, the DWP is authorised to collect information from various places, including your bank account.
This intervention is closely controlled and only permitted if you are under investigation for fraud.
The Government’s website reads: “They are authorised to obtain certain information from specific people, including employers, contractors, the self-employed, pension providers and licensing authorities.
“They carry identity cards that confirm they act on behalf of the department.
“This code of practice explains the powers of Authorised Officers, the extent of their powers, and the responsibilities and rights of the people they request information from.”
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What is benefit fraud?
Benefits fraud usually occurs when someone has claimed benefits to which they are not entitled on purpose.
This happens most often when they do not report a change in circ*mstances or by providing false information.
Common examples include:
- Faking an illness or injury to get unemployment or disability benefits
- Failing to report income from a business or employment to make income seem lower than it actually is
- Living with someone who contributes to the household income without declaring that income to the authorities
- Falsifying accounts to make it seem like a person has less money than they say they do.
PIP fraud: Benefits frauds occur when someone claims benefits they are not entitled to (Image: GETTY)
What happens during a benefit fraud investigation?
If you are suspected of committing benefit fraud, you will be contacted by the DWP, HMRC, the Service and Personnel and Veterans Agency or your local authority if you are suspected of fraud.
Your benefit may be stopped while you are investigated.
You may be asked to visit the Fraud Investigation Officers for an interview or asked to attend an interview to talk about your claim.
Fraud Investigation Officers will gather facts about your case and decide whether to take further action.
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Which benefits can be stopped if you commit benefit fraud?
The following benefits can be stopped if you commit benefit fraud:
- Attendance Allowance
- Bereavement Support Payment
- Child Benefit
- Child Tax Credit
- Christmas Bonus
- Disability Living Allowance
- Graduated Retirement Benefit
- Guardian’s Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Constant Attendance Allowance (where a Disablement Pension is payable)
- Industrial Injuries Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance (where a Disablement Pension is payable)
- Personal Independence Payment
- State Pension
- Social Fund Payments
- War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pension Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
- War Pension Mobility Supplement
None of the following payments can be stopped or reduced:
- Maternity Allowance
- Statutory Adoption Pay
- Statutory Maternity Pay
- Statutory Paternity Pay
- Statutory Sick Pay
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