Overview

• The DWP will begin a phased ‘test and learn’ implementation of its new fraud measures in 2026, starting with pilot schemes to refine eligibility checks.
• Under the Eligibility Verification measure, banks and other third parties will share limited indicator data to flag potentially fraudulent benefit claims without disclosing transaction details.
• Factsheets confirm the department’s authority to seize overpayments directly from offenders’ bank accounts and impose driving disqualifications of up to two years on persistent fraudsters.
• Almost every DWP benefit—excluding only the State Pension—will be subject to the new monitoring and verification powers, including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.
• Eleven detailed factsheets set out independent oversight, reporting requirements, staff training and penalties for data oversharing to ensure the new powers are used proportionately.