DWP Compliance Interviews and Reviews are often where benefit fraud investigations begin
- Your benefits claim is under investigation by the DWP compliance teams
- We can resolve most cases with a simple, affordable phone consultation
- However, representation from a benefit fraud solicitor may be required
- Your claim is under investigation
- Many cases resolved with the initial phone consultation
- Face to face representation is offered where needed
Have you received a DWP Compliance Letter?
If you have received a notice of compliance telephone interview or an entry in your Universal Credit journal, then your benefit claim is considered irregular, and an investigation has started.
By receiving prompt, expert help and advice from a specialist benefit fraud solicitor, this can often be resolved without it becoming a formal criminal investigation.
Here at Benefit Legal Services, we help hundreds of people each year with DWP compliance problems. Whatever situation you are facing, get in touch with us now for invaluable free help and advice.
DWP Compliance Investigation Case Study:
Mrs T was about to start a new job which required her to undergo a police records check. She contacted us when the Council told her they were investigating her for benefit fraud. She was extremely worried because any conviction would show up on her record and could have led to her job offer being revoked. Fortunately, we were able to persuade the Council to deal with her case as a ‘compliance’ issue rather than a criminal one, meaning Mrs T was spared a criminal record and could keep her job.
You can read more case studies here »
DWP Compliance Interview FAQs
Receiving a DWP compliance letter is often very worrying, and you may have many questions. We are here to help. Please read through our FAQ section or contact us for further advice.
A DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Compliance Telephone Interview is an interview process conducted by the DWP to verify the accuracy of information provided by individuals who receive benefits. They can also take place face to face at your local jobcentre.
The purpose of the interview is to confirm the details and information provided to ensure that the individual is genuinely eligible for the benefits they are receiving. However, most of the time a DWP Compliance Telephone Interview is used to try and confirm suspicions the DWP have about a person’s claim.
A Notice of a Compliance Telephone Interview with the DWP is the formal letter sent to those whom the DWP are suspicious or curious about. The notice informs the recipient that they must participate in a telephone interview to check the accuracy of the information provided on their benefit applications or claims.
The purpose of the Compliance Telephone Interview is to try and confirm any suspicions that the DWP have about a person’s claim. The interview can lead to a claim being stopped or suspended and further legal action maybe considered.
The interview will start with security and identity questions and will then cover various aspects of the person’s circumstances, such as income, savings, employment status, living arrangements, and any changes that might have occurred since their last application or claim. The DWP often ask for additional documentation (for example, bank statements or tenancy agreements) to be provided.
The DWP officer conducting the interview will often appear to be very friendly, helpful and understanding. They may also engage in small talk to try and put the person being interviewed at ease and make them more talkative.
The purpose of the Compliance Telephone Interview is to try and confirm any suspicions that the DWP have about a person’s claim. The interview can lead to a claim being stopped or suspended and further legal action maybe considered.
If you have received a notice for a DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Compliance Interview, there’s no need to panic immediately, but if your claim has become non-compliant over the years or there is something you are particularly concerned about, then you should get expert help and advice right away and definitely before you are interviewed. If necessary, delay the interview until you have obtained this help.
The duration of a DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Compliance Interview can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the individual’s circumstances and the nature of the questions being asked. On average, a compliance interview typically lasts around 30 minutes, but it depends on the situation and suspicions the DWP have.
Often, the DWP officer will ask the person being interviewed to agree on a record of what has been said, and various documents might also be requested. Sometimes, a deadline is given for the supply of those documents.
In cases where the DWP suspects fraudulent activity or inaccurate information, they might launch a criminal investigation. This could involve further interviews, possibly under caution, the gathering of evidence, and potentially prosecution.
Benefits do not necessarily stop after a DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Compliance Interview, but they can be suspended or stopped if the DWP’s suspicions are confirmed.
DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) compliance interviews are not random and are often based on intelligence they receive.
While the exact selection criteria used by the DWP are not publicly disclosed, at Benefit Legal Services, we have been dealing with them for over 25 years, and compliance interviews are typically triggered by data received from various sources, including; HMRC, financial institutions, banks, employers and malicious calls to the DWP.
Yes and No. Yes, in the sense that your claim will be stopped right away if you refuse to engage with the DWP investigators. But No in the sense that nobody can be forced to answer questions (including when under arrest) if they do not wish to do so. However refusing to be interviewed or selectively refusing to answer certain questions can have obvious consequences when a person is under suspicion so you should obtain legal advice before you do this.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of your compliance interview or the information you need to provide, you can seek help from an experienced benefit fraud solicitor. We are here to help, please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss this further.
