Overview
- The Eligibility Verification Measure will let the DWP compel banks to share limited indicators to assess eligibility, without granting direct access to full transaction histories.
- Phased pilots start in 2026 with human review and stated safeguards, initially covering Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit, with any expansion requiring Parliament’s approval.
- Investigations may begin with contact from the DWP, HMRC, Defence Business Services or local councils; benefits can be paused, Fraud Investigation Officers may visit, and interviews under caution can be recorded for possible court use.
- Outcomes can include repaying overpaid sums, fines between £350 and £5,000, benefit reductions or stoppages for up to three years, and in serious non‑repayment cases potential driving disqualification for up to two years.
- The DWP can also request limited data from third parties such as airlines, and Universal Credit rules mean savings over £6,000 reduce payments and savings of £16,000 or more generally end eligibility.