Universal Credit Bank Reviews: Frequently Asked Questions

Rosie_Scope

We've seen lots of posts about Universal Credit reviews lately, so we hope this post will help answer some common questions.

What is a Universal Credit review?

A Universal Credit review is usually to check that you are receiving the correct amount in your payments.

These reviews look mostly at your bank accounts and are different to Work Capability Assessment reviews. However, they may ask for details or evidence of your health condition to check you are receiving the correct payments.

You might find out your claim is being reviewed by receiving a text, a message on your journal, or by phone call. They will often ask to see some ID and bank statements to make sure you are keeping within the rules for capital.

Why am I having a review? Have I done something wrong?

These reviews are normal and lots of members have experienced them lately, so it's not just you! Being chosen for a review does not mean you have done anything wrong, or that you are suspected of fraud.

What counts as capital?

You must tell Universal Credit if your capital goes above £6000 so they can adjust your payments. If your capital is above £16000 your Universal Credit will stop. There is a list of what is and isn't counted as capital on the government's website:

Universal Credit: money, savings and investments - GOV.UK

What is deprivation of capital?

Deprivation of capital means hiding or spending money to keep yourself below the set limits. You can use your Universal Credit to buy anything you need, but there are some things to be careful about. Three examples of deprivation of capital might be:

• Buying lots of expensive items to keep your savings low
• Sending large sums of money to other accounts, or giving money away
• Passing the deeds of a property you have inherited to another person to avoid declaring it

If Universal Credit believe you are doing this deliberately, they may ask you to pay back some of your money. If you can explain your spending and you haven't been lowering your capital on purpose, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

What happens during a review?

Universal Credit may ask you to provide your bank statements and some ID. You will often need to provide four months of bank statements, but sometimes they will ask for more. They will tell you which documents you need to provide and whether there's anything else you need to do.

They will often follow up with a phone interview to discuss your statements. They will want to know about all your money, so be sure to tell them about all your accounts when they ask. This might include things like PayPal, Monzo, and other online money services.

In your phone interview, they will ask you some questions about some of your transactions. This is not to call you out for your spending, but to check for any evidence of fraud or deprivation of capital.

It can feel stressful to be asked about things like this, so remember to breathe! Take your time and answer the questions as well as you can.

They might ask you for more evidence about your money and will tell you if you need to send them anything else.

You'll usually receive a message once your review is complete.

Will they criticise me for how I spend my money?

They might ask questions about certain purchases or payments to clarify what they are, but they shouldn't criticise you for the things you buy. It can feel intimidating to be asked about your spending. However, as long as you're not lowering your savings deliberately, you can use your Universal Credit payments for anything you need. That includes treats and nice things too!

What happens next?

If everything is correct, your Universal Credit payments will stay the same. You'll usually receive a message to say your review has been completed.

If they find any problems with your claim your payments might change, or you might have to pay back some of your money. They will tell you the reasons why and let you know what the next steps are.

If you disagree with the result of your review, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. This means they will look at your case again to see if there's anything that is incorrect.

If you have any more questions, please don't be afraid to ask or create your own discussion.

Roughton1961

my uc has gone to a decision maker as without knowing have gone above the 16.ooo for 2yrs as I have been saving some of my pip to buy a car so I can get around as I am disabled .also thought I could do this as my savings are from pip.if they stop my uc and housing I will be homeless

Kimmy87

If your UC & Housing is stopped, you won't be homeless you can use those savings to keep a roof over your head.

Once your money drops below £16k again you can re claim, although some UC will be deducted until the savings go below £6k.

Only PIP backpay is excluded from calculating your savings and that exemption is time limited (one year).

Monthly PIP payments are classed as income for the first month, then anything unspent becomes savings after that time.

Bananas

Quote Rosie Scope - "They are not to review your health status, just your capital and ID details." End Quote

May I ask if you have an official link to that statement ?

I recently had my "Universal Credit review" and my health conditions were questioned as well as the financial and ID stuff

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Bananas, Thanks for your feedback, that was my mistake. I've altered the post so hopefully it's more clear for those who are asked about their health conditions 😊