Horrible experiences of UC claim review

pinemartine
pinemartine Community Member Posts: 67 Contributor
edited August 12 in Universal Credit (UC)

Hi, I have had three UC claim reviews in three years. I don’t know if it’s normal or I might be on their “special list”.

At the last review, they asked me to send a tenancy agreement but I didn’t have as I have periodic tenancy. I sent everything I could think of to prove my rent but they demanded a letter from my landlord despite I explained the relationship with my landlord (not great). DWP threatened me if I didn’t provide a letter from the landlord, they would stop my UC. I hat to contact my landlord and as I expected, they refused a letter and proposed a contract with more rent…

I am going through another review. This time I explained what happened previously so they didn’t demand a letter, but they are asking a lot more bank statements even if I already uploaded what they asked.
I asked them why I have regularly have reviewed every one year, as my friends never had reviewed… they told me it’s completely random but I don’t think random causes exactly one year reviews on one person. I also asked if I look suspicious to you but again they said it’s all random.

I feel I am not even allowed to live peacefully for a year and every year I have to explain my experiences, reasons to go to my parents house abroad, my health. It’s awful and feels dehumanized.

Tagged:

Comments

  • Lauren29
    Lauren29 Community Member Posts: 269 Empowering

    I am sorry that you have had such as difficult time with UC. Checks probably are random but this means that some people end up being reviewed every year.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,405 Championing

    In this case, I would not be surprised if travelling abroad is triggering it.

    I don't believe they are 100% random, but I do believe the staff aren't told what triggers them.

  • Rachel_Scope
    Rachel_Scope Posts: 4,887 Online Community Team

    I'm sorry you're being reviewed so often. I can imagine it's very distressing for you. I'm not entirely sure how random it is. There may be something that is triggering multiple reviews but I couldn't say what. The only other option is maybe to make a formal complaint and explain the effect it's having on your health and wellbeing. I can't guarantee that this will change anything or that they will give you a proper explanation but it may help.

  • vikingqueen
    vikingqueen Scope Member Posts: 2,095 Championing
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1144020#Comment_1144020

    My Partner has just had a review and all they wanted to know were the dates he went on holiday. They already knew but wanted to see if his dates matched theirs.. he didn't tell them the last time he went as it was only for 7 days but they had the information on file!

Categories