Dwp Interview

[mightyquin]

I have a friend who has been told to attend a DWP interview in relation to HB claim. She has been told to take ALL income related info with her , including all bank accounts, isa,s, bonds etc Do they have the right to know sort codes, account no,s etc, thought this was private

[Zacs-Master]

HB?

[New Judge]

Housing Benefit

[davegosling]

HB = housing benefit

[Zacs-Master]

Then, Erm, possibly not. Possibly.

[tonyav]

Yes they do have a right, if she has over £14,000 pounds she won't get any HB.

[nailit]

Why would someone have to attend a DWP Interview in relation to housing benefit?

[tonyav]

However, I thought that HB is claimed from the local council.

[Buenchico]

Every time someone writes a cheque or uses a debit card they're revealing the sort code and account number for their bank account. It's hardly privileged information!

It's normal practice for benefit providers (whether that be the DWP, local authorities or any other agencies) to require claimants to provide bank statements, etc. In some cases they can also insist upon making home visits. (e.g. because I'm registered as self-employed, even though I only do a few days work here and there, I was required to admit a DWP employee into my home, for a detailed interview, when I claimed Pension Credit).

[murraymints]

possibly to do with universal credit which combines HB council Tax ben as well as Job seekers,ESA etc

[murraymints]

and yes you have to disclose all financial assets

[EDDIE51]

Yes they have a right to ALL financial information about you.
Tell your friend to be careful as they almost certainly have already got all her bank statements and financial information on her file. The banks / financial companies are compelled to disclose it to them. One reason that when I worked abroad we were advised to open a bank account in Jersey, Channel Islands. Because it is a Channel Islands account it means DWP or the Benefits agency can not access it without your permission, yet you can do all the normal banking activity . DD , Cheques, cards , Standing orders,payments etc.

[gingejbee]

...EDDIE...I think you'll find that particular "loophole" was closed some time ago....having accounts in Jersey, Isle of man etc no longer means anonymity from HMRC etc.