The DWP use a system called "Data Matching". Overnight, various departments and organisations compare the data on individuals.
For example, a person who declares no savings who has an ISA, or a person who informs TV Licencing of a change of address, but not the DWP.
Benefit fraud is now being taken more seriously than ever before.
Measures are to be introduced to effectively fine claimants £50 for each change of circumstance that they fail to declare, where prosecution is not appropriate.
In cases where prosecution is appropriate, they may be offered the option to pay back the overpayment plus 50%.
Persistent offenders face being barred from accessing the benefits system.
The most common excuses for failing to declare a change of circumstances are "I didn't know I had to tell you", or "I forgot". It's strange how they forget to tell the DWP that they have started work or won the lottery, but never seem to forget to tell them that their rent has gone up for a reassessment of Housing Benefit, or that they've pushed out another child...
---------- Post added at 14:49 ---------- Previous post was at 14:44 ----------
Quote:
Originally Posted by dilligaf1701
I'd just be happier if the people doing all the assessments were capable. ATOS clearly are not.
I DO think it needs to be done however - just not with the wrong people.
Still it won't make any difference people will always get away with it. If I was a cheater (and a fair few people on here think I am) I /could/ have got a lot more money out of the system but I wouldn't do that.
I do like it when people get caught and it needs to happen more often.
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I have no idea whether you are a benefits cheat or not and I don't see how anyone can make that assumption from a forum!
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