Universal Credit Review - data protection breach!
Comments
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I can't I'm afraid @Slopii as I'm leading today and have a lot of people needing support, so I don't have the time to research it. But it's it's a power derived from the anti-fraud legislation, that I can say with certainty.
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Where possible we like all discussions to continue, but we’re choosing to pause this discussion for now so things can cool down and we can review it. For more information, please read our online community house rules. Misinformation and personal attacks are not allowed.
We will review it and if we are satisfied the discussion can continue, we will hope to un-pause it by the end of today.
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Afternoon. Following the removal of a number of posts and a little breathing time, this discussion has been re-opened.
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Hi Albus
I’ve been trying to research this and so far can’t find what you speak of, (but I’m a layman so improbably not doing a god job). If one is not being investigated for fraud, and they tell you that claim reviews are not fraud investigations, then I don’t see where they have the power to ask for bank statements as the OP states. I’ve ask the credit review what legislation gives them this power and they say 38(2) same as the OP suggests which as the OP says is PIP legislation which is not means tested and doesn’t apply to UC who are doing the review. If you have time to research your belief that UC claims have the right to view bank statements it would be very reassuring, you carry weight as a moderator so a vague input is disconcerting (which is not to say you’re wrong or that your efforts and work aren’t thoroughly appreciated ❤️🙏🏻❤️).2 -
hi,
ive recently had issues with the DWP for this reason. Would be very interested in joining someone to take legal action.I have CPTSD have no family, and recently provided redacted bank statements. To be told it was unaceptable. I have chalanged this. Stating they removed my right to privacy, and also my presumption of innocence.
Then they threatened to sanction me. But could not detail why they needed to see where i spent my money.
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So am I correct in what I'm getting from this?
I had UC review today and they have asked for four months statements which must show in comings and out goings and I can simply redact my out goings without penalty of them stopping my UC claim?
My husband doesn't want me to make a fuss because we have nothing to hide and he thinks they'll stop our benefit just to be spitefull.
On principle I want to make a fuss but is it really worth all the agro?
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I was not allowed to submit redacted bank statements, I tried.
I was asked to submit again without redactions, which I did because I didn't want to take the risk my money would stop.
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I'd honestly not redact anything @Rubie123 I think that would look more suspicious to the DWP.
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I have nothing to hide. I'm not committing fraud . I would rather not send the statements just on principle that, unless they are investigating me for fraud, which they haven't mentioned, they are not supposed to be asking for them. If redacting anything or refusing to send the statements causes too much fuss then I'll send them in but I'm not best pleased. I just don't like being lied to. They said the review is to check I'm getting the right benefit so they only need to see the incomings. Really they don't need that. I constantly update the journal of any changes so they should know if what they're paying is correct. If they told me they were investigating for fraud I'd happily send whatever they asked for.
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Hi Chris.
No I don't have a credit card. Pay in cash mostly and sometimes by debit card, direct debit.
My husband doesn't want me to make a fuss, which has infuriated me more. He didn't mind me battling them for my PIP though! Which I won!
I might just send what they want and pull them up afterwards and tell them they've broken rules.
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Your UC payments are also linked to outgoings.
For example, if they're paying you housing costs, they need to see those are getting paid at the amount that you've told them.
They also need to see that you're not sending large amounts of cash to relatives to hide, as that would allow you to get more benefit than you're entitled to, without the savings reductions.
I completely agree that this is in invasion of privacy, however I do also understand why they're doing it and why they need to see both income and outgoings.
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Hi OverleyAnxious.
I totally get that, makes sense. But they could always ask me what they want to see and I'll screen shot those single items. As for sending large amounts of money for my kids to hide, they'd spend it and pay me back whenever!lol
As for checking I'm paying my housing, they need to check housing are taking the money. So often my rent account is in arrears yet my payments are on dd.
I'm calming down about it, a bit, now, but I've now got to get into town to my bank and get statements. It's all just a load of hassel that I could do without.
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Screenshots can easily be manipulated to hide transactions. Original bank statements can't be manipulated, that is why they ask for those wherever possible.
You don't have to go into a bank to get the statements. Mine were posted to me from the bank as I cannot travel. If you use online banking then you can download statements to be uploaded to the UC system instead of getting them in paper form.0 -
Hi @Slopii Have you heard of "The Justice Journals"???? She used to work for DWP and has recently been giving some very good information/advice regarding all this talk about UC asking people for bank statements BUT specifically them asking people about certain transactions. Shes been breaking down and answering what questions UC can ask by law, and questions they are NOT allowed to ask pertaining to law and is putting actual legal facts for us to see
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I have uc reivew sent 4 months of bank statements for both of us to be told.today they wont look.at them yet because there fully booked up.till December anybody had this
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@Biss I'm going through on going review after review, I have tried to be polite and give them what they want but it's now getting to the point where I'm providing the same statements that I provided in June 2025 again now since September 2025-November2025. This is not the first time either. I'm really interested in joining the Facebook group you mentioned but my request has been pending for over a week and obviously I don't want to PM any of the admin as it's one of the group rules not to do. I would really appreciate some help on how to make a formal complaint and the templates you mentioned.
Thank you
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They do seem to review some people more than once, I can only assume they are working from guidance on red flags that need repeat reviews.
I don't think any documents are available to the public, there might be something here or someone could do a request.
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/dwp
I myself had a review in September 2023 and nothing since.
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HHi Kimi not sure where to ask so I ask here i just phoned to check when I get next uc payment I got my payment on 13th of November she said statement be ready on 26th November and paid on 30th November thats over two weeks ? Is that right also 30th a Sunday
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When you are paid UC twice a month it's paid twice a month, which is not the same as every two weeks.
The first half arrives on a fixed date with the second arriving 14-17 days later.
If either date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, it will be paid the working day before. So a payment due Sunday 30th will be paid Friday 28th.
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Hi, I know your post was a while ago now but is there any update and do you have the template i could use as they are really trying to bully both me and my daughter who has really bad mental health issue only being made worse by them!
Many thanks.
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