Post in local paper about uc concerns

Andi66
Andi66 Online Community Member Posts: 1,339 Championing

My local paper had a lady on uc and pip. Who needs carers and is bed bound. However her uc was stopped until the local paper was involved. It said she didn't attend a workshop. But if you are on uc wouldn't they have it down . She was unable to work. So does this mean they are targeting us. Also the comments someone put up a link that dwp monitors all aspects. I know social media. But paypal. I use PayPal to pay for things, that's all. I go on temu . She said she had a review and she uploaded bank statement which they said they never had. This is a worry. I have a phone . So when you need to upload things like that can you take it to the jobcentre

Comments

  • marmitelover2000
    marmitelover2000 Online Community Member Posts: 49 Empowering

    Targeting is a very strong word. What usually happens is incompetence. They may have made a mistake somewhere.

    US is Means tested. This means you don't have it based on your degree of disability like PIP. Rather your financial situation.

    If you have a lot of savings or an asset (Like owning your own home)- unfortunately you may not be eligible.

    It may be worth looking at their criteria:

    https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/eligibility

    They can indirectly monitor your account. They do this by asking banks to flag accounts that have over £16,000 in savings. They don't have the legal permissions to go in randomly unless they suspect fraud- then they would need to get a judge to agree.

    As far as Purchases- they don't monitor those at the moment. This is subject to change so keep an eye out.

    As long as you follow the rules- you'll be okay. There isn't a bogeyman sitting at DWP who is trying to rob people who genuinely need UC. Check the rules and you will be fine 😊 If not you can always appeal the decision.

  • MrHappy
    MrHappy Online Community Member Posts: 163 Empowering

    It doesn't sit well with me that the Benefits agency have unlimited access to my financials through my bank account. Actually i am furious about it but there's nothing i can do about it.

  • Catherine21
    Catherine21 Posts: 8,950 Championing

    The thought of another year of all this is unbearable I wish I could disappear stop thinking stop worrying they have thrown everything at us its impossible to try and relax or have some sort of life

  • rubin16
    rubin16 Scope Member Posts: 1,380 Championing

    Goodluck looking at what I spend, Apart from paying bills through my bank I withdraw money and pay cash for everything like groceries etc or spend through my credit card for online purchases.