Overview

• The DWP says it has strengthened its identity verification process to stop fraudulent cases entering the benefits system.
• Customers who change personal details, including bank accounts, will face more rigorous checks to verify their information.
• Case managers and healthcare professionals are receiving awareness training on handling suspicious documents, alongside investment in counter‑fraud staff and analytics.
• Eligibility checks using bank-provided indicators are due to begin on a test-and-learn basis from April 2026 under the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) programme.
• Rights groups criticize the planned checks as intrusive, and the DWP responds that signals are not tied to algorithms and will be assessed by trained staff under new oversight.