SDP awarded. Why would they ask whether you're capable of handling backdated money?

J2351

Morning Scope Guardians  

My friend just told me he just received a phone call from DWP to be told that he is being awarded transitional protection on his UC from ESA which is wonderful news for him, so happy that he can have piece of mind especially in this cost of living crisis that seems to be getting worst within the shadows  

What got my interest was when my friend told me he got awarded backdated money, they asked if he is capable of dealing with such a large amount of money, to put it simply it’s over £3000. Why would they ask such a question and what is the minimum amount of money someone can be awarded that merits DWP to ask such a question?

The answers can help me inform others in the future so they are not taken by surprise. 

calcotti

It's a safeguarding issue. They are supposed to ask and the claimant can choose to have the arrears made in instalments if they prefer. I don't know what threshold they use as a trigger for the question.