Hi, my name is EnigmaCode! DWP want permission to approach my banks directly

EnigmaCode

I've been sent a form demanding bank statements and that I sign consent for the PIP to approach my banks directly. I'm not prepared to sign such consent, I'm not doing anything wrong so I'm not sure how to respond... They seem to be monitoring my accounts without my written consent and I'm not happy with this. How do I respond?

poppy123456

Are you sure it's from PIP because savings have nothing to do with PIP because it's not means tested. Do you claim any other means tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Income Related ESA/JSA or Income Support?

EnigmaCode

It could be universal credit. All I have done is transferred some money from my savings into my working account (rent ect) so no additional money to report but they are saying that they have seen an increase in my money in one account. Apart from heating crisis deposits, I can't think of any other money going into accounts (apart from UC) so they must be watching  my accounts for activity? Isn't this a breach of the data protection act?

poppy123456

DWP and HMRC can check bank accounts if they suspect something like fraud is going on.

EnigmaCode

the only laundering going on is based on my old washing machine... they can come and watch my 30 minute programme if they like, 

poppy123456

Have they previously requested bank statements and you didn't send them? They can also suspend your UC if you don't comply.

Are you aware that any money you have, regardless of where it is, is classed as savings? This doesn't apply to money that's in a pension pot.

EnigmaCode

Earlier this year I sent them 2 years worth of bank statements with no comment in return - they were sent registered post. So, are you saying, as soon as money is deposited in your account they are classed as savings?  I've just sold my car which the money will go to purchase a mobility aid are you  saying that this car sale money will be seen as savings even though its going out on another purchase?

poppy123456

Your benefits going into your bank become savings after a certain period of time if they are not spent. (not sure how long)

Selling your car would be savings, when claiming UC any savings you have of £16,000 and over on the last day of your assessment period would mean entitlement to UC ends.

For every £250 or part there of over £6,000 there's a £4.35/month deduction.

If you're claiming council tax reduction then all local Authorities have their own rules and some have a maximum savings limit of £6,000 before entitlement ends.

calcotti

poppy123456 said:

Your benefits going into your bank become savings after a certain period of time if they are not spent. (not sure how long) 

Income becomes capital if not spent at the end of the period it is paid for. So UC not spent at the end of a month from receipt becomes capital, for benefits such as PIP paid every 4 weeks if not spent the income becomes capital at the end of 4 weeks etc.

OP, for UC it is the amount of capital you have on the last day of a UC assessment period that matters. If you receive and spend money within the assessment period it will make no difference to your UC entitlement (although you might still be asked to explain capital movement if later identified).

poppy123456

Thanks calcotti, i thought it was but didn't want to give that advice if i wasn't 100% sure.