IB claims being checked for potential fraud

[reallymadwoman]

I have been told by a very reliable source that DWP are currently undertaking a review of IB claimants. Part of the review will involve home visits to approximately 1000 claimants to check for potential fraud. Claimants whom they can identify as 'vulnerable' will receive notice of the visit. All other visits will be unannounced.

Might we expect a sudden increase in the number of IB claims being 'reviewed' and claimants being found capable of work? Is this in preparation for the changeover to the new benefits?

If any experts know, can they tell us what we can/cannot do if DWP turn up on our doorsteps? If e.g. you're just about to go to a hospital appointment, what can they do about it? What if you're just not feeling too good? Can you refuse them entry if e.g. you're on your own and you would prefer to have a witness present?

I'm not suggesting that anyone claiming IB is/might be committing fraud, or that not wanting to talk to the DWP means you must be guilty, but I suspect they might see it that way. I genuinely have no reason to worry about my claim being reviewed, but thanks to various DCAs unexpected knocks on the door tend to cause a bit of a panic at the best of times, and if/when that knock comes, it'll be a bit late to ask for advice.

Many thanks if anyone can help.

[davethorp]

Ah well if my IB hadn't have been stopped due to the PCA I'd be safe from this. Got nice sign at the front door revoking license under common law for anyone to visit us without a pre arranged appointment

[reallymadwoman]

What do we think are the chances of the DWP taking any notice of a sign like that? Will it also stop Jehovah's Witnesses, utility company sales people, double glazing sales people (do they not look at the existing windows first?) etc. If so, I want one.

[davethorp]

Can't speak for Jehovah's witnesses however the sign did keep two bailiffs at bay last week (one for a previous tenant here) as they merely pushed their demands through the door and didn't bother knocking.

I'm thinking of adding a section to it where if anything gets pushed through the door that we'd consider litter we reserve the right to charge a fee to clear up the litter

[reallymadwoman]

Originally Posted by reallymadwoman

If any experts know, can they tell us what we can/cannot do if DWP turn up on our doorsteps? If e.g. you're just about to go to a hospital appointment, what can they do about it? What if you're just not feeling too good? Can you refuse them entry if e.g. you're on your own and you would prefer to have a witness present?

Does anyone know what rights the DWP have over unnanounced visits?

[Boppy]

In all honesty i don't have a problem with it, i am on IB, i have nothing to hide so they can turn up here when they like, although i think i fall under the vulnerable section anyway so i would know when they are coming but even if i didn't then i would let them in. i know i'm not commiting fraud and i also know at present i cannot work.

[reallymadwoman]

I'm not suggesting that anyone is or might be claiming fraudulently, but personally I would have a problem if two complete strangers turned up on my doorstep unnanounced when I was alone in the house (very likely) and I felt obliged to let them in. And it would be two, because DWP employess quite rightly do not do home visits on their own.

I suspect I should also be on the 'vulnerable' list, but should and am are not necessarily the same thing.

As I said in my first post, I have absolutely no worries about my claim being reviewed, I just would like to know if/when it would be reasonable to refuse to let them in. There is a pretty good chance I'd have to get out of bed to let them in in the first place, so would I have to do the interview in my nightie?