Bank Account Cheques For Pip Claimants

[barry1010]

I'm puzzled by this.  Whilst I support all efforts to stamp out benefit fraud I cannot see the point of the DWP snooping on the bank accounts of PIP claimants - it's not means tested.

They can also work full time.

Can anyone explain the purpose of checking bank accounts?

https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/dwp-pip-claimants-face-more-30603755

[barry1010]

I've just noticed the glaring error in my heading.

It should read bank account checks. My excuse is it's very early and I've not had enough coffee

[newmodarmy]

It's not an area I know much about, but the article refers to 'bank account changes' so may be looking at changes rather than snooping into bank balances. It may be some Fraudsters divert the money from one verified account to another unverified account.

[newmodarmy]

And it is just one of several layers of checks to verify claims.

[barry1010]

I suppose it might help determine if a claimant is actually living in the UK. 

[barry1010]

I met someone in Tenerife some years ago who admitted to living there and flying back to the UK every three months to get her prescriptions. She was in her 40s and claiming DLA and other benefits.

[newmodarmy]

There will be some gangs behind a fair number of claims too. They may submit fictitious claims and get a doctor to sign it  or may claim on behalf of someone without them knowing, then switch the account and rake intended money.

[newmodarmy]

I hate autocorrect on my phone

Intended = in the 

[newmodarmy]

I expect it won't achieve much but gives the impression to voters of stamping out fraudulent claims.

[bednobs]

From reading the article (although not going to the link in the article to the MPs question) it reads like what they're talking about is the new claims so completely fraudulent claims for example people who either aren't unwell or do not exist

[barry1010]

"Existing PIP claimants will face more intensive checks if they change any of their personal details, including “more rigorous checks” on bank account changes"

We change our bank accounts a lot to take advantage of all those incentives, I expect a lot of people do

[chelle7272]

I read a lot of fraud is not the initla claim but people not declaring when their health has improved, so it may also be changes in income / new job whihc may indicate that.