Universal Credit Review - data protection breach!

Lina31

hel123

I did try to send messagem I need your help.and advice. It is not possible to leave any message on this Web. Please send me the link; how to found this group about UC reviews. Please send me the link

Lina31

Sorry, Facebook forum due UC

Rudestar

This is a massive overstep of their authority. I am challenging them. The legislation they claim gives them authority applies to PIP claims only.

We need to stick together and hold them to account or they will keep getting away with this fraud. It is criminal what they are doing. If people give in then they win by default and get to continue with their crimes against the people.

Is there anyone else challenging this?

Rudestar

@TG0601

Please can you send me information on this class action suit.

My claim has been stopped for non compliance due to my request for the legislation that gives DWP the right to go through my personal bank statements.

They too have declined my mandatory reconsideration as I did not provide my bank statements. I said I would give the front page which shows the deposits going in but do not consent to having my individual transactions made public.

How do we get in touch with you and what is needed from us for this case?

Many thanks

TG0601

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1058921#Comment_1058921

Hi Slopii. You will have to raise a formal complaint to the DWP & specifically ask them what legislation they are using & that you believe they have breached your data & privacy rights. Did they send you the Personal Information Charter before getting your bank statements? If they didn’t, that is a breach of GDPR procedure, you can also add that to your complaint. Complaints about your data are made via the data protection department at the following email address DATA.PROTECTIONOFFICER@dwp .gov.uk. Good luck.

worried33

Thank you for creating this thread, I am in agreement the DWP dont think twice about breaking the law.

Although not the same thing, I had a similar situation, which I posted about on scope, in my case I had reported my balance went over 6k due to a backdated payment, and this triggered a request for 3 months statements, not only that my claim was suspended, and in my case the suspension was without a refusal to provide the evidence.

They were ignoring all my concerns on the journal, no responses, they wanted me to in face to face to a job centre to provide this evidence, I rang and put in the journal informing them I wont be attending this appointment, the people on the phone insisted they couldnt intervene (then what is the point of them), and the journal was ignored. Within an hour or two of the appointment the DWP suddenly decided they wanted to engage and suspend my claim. My response was not quite what they were expecting, as I expect many people they bully, are living from payment to payment, in desperate need for the money and comply without a fight.

I had a look at documented policies I could find, and on the parliament web site was a clearly stated policy which was that suspending a claim for potential over payment was not appropriate and should not be carried out. I emailed the policies I found to my MP, and pointed out I wasnt refusing to provide the evidence, but they could collect it online or a home visit. The DWP had previously tried to bully me over the phone saying in words that were designed to put fear into a claimant, I could be waiting several weeks for the home visit, and in the mean time no money. But after the MP intervened, it happened much quicker. However once the evidence was accepted and claim restated,, the MP lost all interest, which isnt surprising considering who my MP is. I seriously considered taking matters further, as the DWP although they apologised for lack of engagement on the journal, they chose not to respond to the policies not been followed, I had some DWP staff on social media tell me internal policy was different which makes it ok, my opinion is it doesnt make it ok, policy is part of the legislation agreed with parliament.

In the end I let it go, but I think I might be interested in what has been reported in this thread, whilst there may be good reasons for asking for statements (means testing compliance), for that they only need inbound payments and the balance. Also any collection process should be legal. I am in agreement with the people who state this isnt just about compliance but also data collection, there is also reports of people getting deductions on UC for reasons of "deprivation of capital" because the money apparently isnt being spent in the right way, I find that very dubious. The deprivation of capital is about deliberate intent to defraud the DWP, it shouldnt be used to control what people choose to spend their money on naturally.

As usual it takes reporting to regulators, court challenges and so forth to bring this department in to line, until that happens they will keep at it.

Lina31

@Biss

Hi Biss. I read reviews where you say do not provide banks statements and ID to UC. In some messages you said they breach in Lawvin requesting such informal from UC claimants. But later in another messages when people were looking for help and advice due Bank statements, your advice was to provide to UC before they get in trouble or benefit be stopped or suspended. So people here who knows that really UC has no right to see in direct debits and shopping in tne bank statements, did not provide these evedinence thrmsefs, advice others to provide them . Please note that adjustment came to effect on 22 August 25 due Universal Credit request in providing claimants banks statements for 4 months and photo ID such as passport or driving licence. Now is mine turn, where agent that does review on my claim was calling me many times without appoitment, and when hevreached me was bullies and treats where he said if I will not provide my 4 months bank statements they will suspend my account or will stop benefits! I left message on the journey that I can provide bank statements 4 months that shows only income of Universal Credit payment. I told them that my direct debits and electricity, gas, food shopping is not what they're requesting and I will not show this as is in breach my personal data. I do not know where they will keep this information, for how long and when they will erase. ID, my passport can see police, solicitor only! I can not give my passport copy if I have no driving licence. Anyway I'm looking for urgent help and advice and solicitor who can conformation my British nationality where I'm since 2012. Solicitor for confirming my bank statement regular UC payments and no savings or capital there. Thanks

Lina31

Lina31

@Briss

I'm in situation same as you all now. UC send me message that they do review, and need my ID passport or driving license and 4 months bank statements. From 2022 I was not well, effected mentally due violent attack. My GP send letter to DWP due my health. I haven't report anything on my journey that time, as I believed that if DWP were informed about my health conditions, UC knows as well. 2025 April I had health assessment, where advisor from UC reduced my hours from 12 to 2 or 4 work per week. This due to psychological trauma that I had, and took years to recover from it. I want to back to work, and know what I want to do as I'm the main carer for my child. UC wrote on my journal that I'm self employer when I'm not, as DWP received the letter due my health on 2022 and 2023 I told to UC that I will not attend self employment appointment, as I do not work. UC is for people that is on low income, and I don't need to be self employer to work 4 or 6 hour per week. UC left message on my journal to ignore face to face appointment and that no need to provide self employment evidence, as I do not work. But send messages to provide 4 bank statements and passport or driving license. {comment edited by moderator - misinformation} I wrote in journal that I don't mind to provide banks statements, but only will show main income every month and capital. No direct debits, no my payments for gas or electricity, no which supermarkets I spend money, as this ridiculous!!! Due photo ID, I'm British since 2010, and when I did applied for UC I provided my identity, which one they have when opened my claim. I wrote in the journal, that I'm not asylum seeker, did not applied for UC when was Covid lock down. My identity they can verified by phone in calling, in giving security question. I said that my passport I would provide only to police or solicitor if needs to confirm my ID. But I will not provide my photo, passport as this in breach of privacy. Work review agent was calling me many times, when they have no right without appointment to call. When he reached me, phone conversation was so rood, where I was bullied and threatened that if I will not provide my passport and banks statements my payments will be suspended and stopped. Because of this, I left message on journal to same work review person, never call me and wrote all bullies what he said. I wrote that the reason he was calling me to scare me to provide this information that they know is not legal for them to request! I left message on journal, for how long they will keep information on they data base and when will be erased? these documents as they are requesting my passport and 4 months bank statements. I'm so scared if they will stop my benefit next month. I told to UC that they had ignored ICO recommendations, and I told them as not only me, but many people had lies and treat by them! I told to UC that will write Formal Complain to DWP, MP and ICO. In my question to work review agent, what his full name; for whom he is working, or he works for DWP or UC? he did not answered. All this bull shed, on the journal "we need to see your bank statement to see if we pay right amount" is just crazy! i got temple for Formal Complain, which one I will write to DWP, to MP and ICO. As well I'm looking for solicitor, if someone can recommend any good one? The thing is, I will not provide my photo ID or Banks statements, I need solicitor who can confirm that my passport is valid, and due bank statement to confirm main coming in money and balance or capital. UC pay monthly to bank account, they have account details. but sorry to give them all bank statement I do not think that is right, as this is breach of privacy.

Albus_Scope

Hi @Lina31 Thank you for sharing your concerns. It's understandable that you feel anxious about providing personal information, especially given your circumstances.

Firstly, it's important to clarify that all claimants of Universal Credit (UC) are required to provide identification and bank statements as part of the verification process. This is to ensure that benefits are allocated correctly and fairly. The requirement to provide such documents is not unique to your situation and applies to all claimants, regardless of their background.

Regarding your concerns about illegal immigrants, it's a common misconception that they receive preferential treatment. In reality, the UK Government has strict regulations regarding asylum seekers and their entitlements. Asylum seekers may receive basic support, but they do not have access to the full range of benefits available to UK citizens and residents. You can find more information on this topic from reputable sources such as the UK Government website or organisations like Refugee Council. Please avoid clickbait titles on the internet as they will be very biased and are trying to spread their anti immigrant rhetoric for their own financial gains.

I understand your concerns about privacy and the handling of your personal data. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is required to adhere to data protection laws and ensure that your information is kept secure. If you feel that your privacy rights are being violated, it's crucial to address this through formal channels. You mentioned considering a formal complaint to the DWP, MP, and ICO, which can be an effective way to ensure your concerns are heard.

If you need legal advice, seeking a solicitor who specialises in benefits and privacy law might be beneficial. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can provide recommendations and guidance on finding appropriate legal support.

I hope this information helps to clarify the situation. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance.

Albus_Scope

Hi @hel123 Regarding the treatment of asylum seekers, the UK Government provides basic support to ensure their immediate needs are met while their applications are processed. This includes accommodation and essential services, but it's important to note that these measures are temporary and aimed at ensuring humane treatment. The process for asylum seekers is governed by strict regulations, and they do not receive the full benefits allocated to UK citizens and residents. For more detailed information, you might find it helpful to refer to resources such as the UK Government website or organisations like Refugee Council.

On the topic of Universal Credit (UC) and the request for identification and bank statements, as said previously, it is part of the standard verification process to ensure that benefits are distributed correctly. If you believe there is misuse of legislation or feel your rights are being infringed, pursuing formal complaints or freedom of information requests, as you mentioned, can be effective ways to address these concerns.

Regarding your point on how individuals with no identification pass checks, the process for asylum seekers involves extensive background checks and interviews. Citizenship is not granted without thorough vetting.

I understand that these issues can be frustrating and complex, and I encourage you to continue seeking information from reliable sources. If you have further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out and we'll do our best to find the information for you.

Albus_Scope

I can see there's a bit of confusion there.

Taken from the Oxford dictionary;
"asylum seeker

noun
noun: asylum seeker; plural noun: asylum seekers
a person who has left their home country as a political refugee and is seeking asylum in another.
"only asylum seekers who are granted refugee status are allowed to work in the country"

Asylum seekers are not legally obliged to claim asylum in the first safe country they reach; international law and the 1951 Refugee Convention do not require it. However, a country's domestic asylum law (such as UK law,) can make claims inadmissible if the person passed through a safe country where they could have claimed protection. 

But thank you for sharing your perspective. If you could provide links or sources for the information you've mentioned, it would be greatly appreciated. As per our House Rules, we aim to ensure that all discussions are based on verified information and we do not allow opinion to be given as fact. Your cooperation in maintaining this standard is valued.

Albus_Scope

I feel we may have veered slightly off course here, so I think it'd be best if we stick to talking about the DWP and benefits system as per the original discussion. 😊

Albus_Scope

Again, I'll have to ask you to read the house rules carefully @hel123

Thank you for your cooperation.

Lina31

@Briss

This month August I received message from UC to provide my passport and enclose 4 months bank statements. My question is, on which data base they will keep my all private confidential information and when will be deleted? The agent who does review, was calling me many times without appoitment. When he reached me said " review is manditory and if you will not provide your photo ID and 4 months bank statements, your account will be suspend and payments will stop". After this treat received by phone I left message on the journey, "that called me withoit appoitment did treath me, thst my psyments will ve stoped". I was warned to provide private confidential information that we all can feel is wrong. I wrote in my journal about this, and why do they need my photo ID when I'm British since 2010, they have my ID when I open my claim, I'm not asylum seeker that nationity was change or person who applied for UC when was Covid lock down. My child born in UK and Brirish Citizen for 15 years. I said that my passport I can show only to police or solicitor to confirm that is valid. From bank statements I can show only main incoming money which is UC capital and balance. they threatening me, single mum of one to stop my payments. I told them that I will write Formal Complain to MP, DWP and ICO. I inform them as well that in many equations they fail to comply with ICO recommendations. Review agent did not reply to me on my journal why they need my photo ID, which as passport I will not provide, I dont have driving licence and bank statements, where is all on the top of the letter private confidential information, which bank, short code, account number, branch I will not. I'm looking for solicitor or any can recommend me that can confirm my photo ID as passport is valid and I'm Brirish. Solicitor that can look in my bank statements and confirm my capital each month, main income and balance. Direct debits, gas, electricity, which supermarkets I do shopping is not they business and I will not share such private and confidential information as this is clear invasion and breach of data protection leak of any claimant. {comment removed by moderator - misinformation}

WhatThe

Lina, you said, "They even are given 5 start hotels, free meals, and £47 each week!"

It's £49.18 a week WITHOUT accommodation.

If your accommodation provides your meals you’ll get £9.95 for each person in your household instead.

Call them 1 star HOSTELS instead because that's what they are. Room-sharing with strangers is not luxury. Do you know how much we pay for Iain Duncan Smith's breakfasts?

I am given money to pay rent and bills. Half of what I eat comes from a food bank but I'm grateful and I do not envy the pittance that asylum seekers receive.

You will need to find and pay for your own solicitor; nobody here can help. Protest all you want about this intrusion by the Department for Work and Pensions but racial hatred and misinformation are not permitted on this site. There are plenty of other platforms for that!

WhatThe

How old are you?? 🙄

Lina31

I'm.looking for affordable private solicitor. If anyone can recommend? Legal Aid Citizens Advice is part of agenda, which when MP's at least little help. My concern is why UC needs photo ID? The person who does work review identify me in asking all security questions when he did call and all was about to scare me that if I will not provide he will stop my UC. Well on my journal he dis not write this, so perhaps I'm not the one that they are scaring. I couldn't reach anyone in calling DWP, what's going on?! Agents that do reviews are they work for UC or for DWP? All I know I will not provide what they request as they have my bank account details and know how much and where paying assessment done April 2025 by rent cost, my income where I do not work. As well new update on legislation I think 38 came to effect 22 Augist 25. Let me know what changes was made.

Lina31

@hell,

Thanks for you advice! I was trying to write private message where no luck! I'm glad that I found useful information here and I'm not only one fighting for our rights. Every Web, forum's are controlled, I'm glad what we' able to share our experience here. Big hug from me to all of you! I wish that we could some how to meet for coffee

Lina31

@Albus_Scope,

Dear Albus. As in your Web are options to people to send private messages, why it doesn't work if you created Web with options to be able to send private messages? I don't think that private messages post to be controlled or read by controler.