Good afternoon

My recent bulletin has prompted a quick reaction from frontline staff, seeking further advice on when the review is due to start, which groups will be targeted first, and what can be done to avoid or mitigate potential problems, so I’ve prepared this further note.

Starting date
The process is already underway and is being expanded to prioritise a nationwide crackdown on Universal Credit overpayments and fraud, focusing first on what are considered primary “high-risk” groups:

  • Living Situation: This includes verifying household type and composition, specifically targeting “living together” fraud and undeclared residents. While HMO placements are not explicitly named as “living situations”, the transient nature of these tenancies and associated high housing costs, in city areas, will come under considerable scrutiny.
  • Capital and Savings: Claims where individuals have undeclared savings or property ownership have already been the subject of much stricter scrutiny. Since December 2025, new legislative powers allow the DWP to require banks to share data to identify suspicious activity or capital exceeding the £16,000 threshold.
  • Self-Employment: Verifying reported earnings and business activity for those claiming self-employment.
  • Pandemic-era Claims: During the pandemic, standard validation processes were suspended, contributing to significant overpayments. Retrospective reviews are now being conducted for awards made during the height of the pandemic without standard verifications being applied.

Required Evidence for Claimants
Those selected for review are first notified via their online journal that their case is under review, and are typically expected to provide:

  • Financial Documents: Usually 4 months of bank statements, though this can be extended to 12 months to verify income, savings, and examine any unusual transactions.
  • Housing Costs: A valid Tenancy Agreement (AST), proof of rent payments, utility bills, and a letter from the landlord confirming occupation, as this is a condition of entitlement.
  • Identity Verification: Photo ID and recent proof of address (e.g., utility bills).
  • Household Composition: Evidence of who lives in the home, such as Child Benefit letters, GP/NHS correspondence, or birth certificates.

Steps to Avoid Suspension or Termination
All too frequently, the Enhanced Review team prematurely suspends or terminates existing awards, claiming it is “to prevent overpayments” from occurring. Tenants, with your help, can prevent this by being proactive. Frontline staff  should also encourage tenant engagement when assistance is needed:

For Tenants (Claimants):

  1. Respond to Journal Messages Immediately: Failing to provide evidence within the deadline (usually 14 days) is the primary cause of claim suspension.
  2. Request Extensions Early: DWP guidance allows these periods to be extended if claimants cannot obtain documentation within the timescales. If that is the case, they should message their work coach immediately to explain the delay.
  3. Keep Digital Trails: Use the journal to communicate and always take screenshots of evidence uploaded. It is not unusual for the DWP to request the same information multiple times or for documents to be missed by the reviewing officer.

For Landlords:

  1. Provide Accurate Documentation: Ensure tenants have a current, signed, and witnessed tenancy agreement that clearly states the rent and any applicable service charges. In HMOs, ensure you remove references to tenants’ Council Tax or utility liabilities if these are included in the rent.
  2. Occupation Confirmation: Be prepared to provide a formal “proof of occupation” letter, as the DWP must ensure the tenant is physically residing at the declared address.
  3. HMO Compliance: For HMOs, ensure the property is correctly licensed/registered if required by the local council, as the DWP may share data with local authorities regarding housing standards.

Lastly, as I explained in my earlier bulletin, if a tenant is denied “housing costs,” they should request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision by registering this in their journal or using the official GOV.UK appeal.

If you require further information or assistance to prosecute MRs or appeals, I can assist. You can email bill@ucadvice.co.uk or phone 07733 080 389.

Regards

Bill Irvine

UC Advice & Advocacy Ltd

Phone 07733 080 389