Overview
- The eligibility verification measure would initially cover Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit.
- Officials would request specified data from financial institutions to help identify potential incorrect payments.
- The DWP says the checks aim to catch both inadvertent and deliberate errors earlier to limit claimants’ debts.
- A separate power would permit direct deductions from bank accounts only after someone has left the benefit system and after advance notice with a right to dispute.
- The department says shared information does not imply wrongdoing or affect access to banking services, and specialist support is available for vulnerable people.