How far in the past can the DWP check your savings history?

[san_d]

Hi all,

 

This is a speculative question because I'm not on the dole yet, but who knows!

 

Either in the process of claiming benefits or during a compliance check, one may be asked to produce evidence of capital, e. g. bank statements.

 

Is there a rule that determines a minimum or maximum period for which this evidence must be reported?

 

I've searched extensively on Google and I've also read the DM guide about capital but I haven't found anything.

 

Some people have been asked 3 months worth of statements; others 6 months; some other one year.

 

Any clue? Thanks.

[bloomingflower]

Hi San_d,

 

When I have claimed Housing Benefit for example from my council authority, they have always requested to see 3 months worth of bank statements.

 

However, I am not quite sure if this is the same across the board by all councils?

 

 

You could also ring up HMRC/DWP to ask them beforehand what you may need so that you can be prepared.

 

 

 

 

bloomingflower x

[Mr.P]

When ever I claimed benefits, I only ever provided the latest bank statements which covered the preceding month. On occasions, the 'evidence' consisted of a dated printout provided by my bank showing the balance on that day. Both were acceptable, and I was never asked to provide three, six, or even twelve months of statements.

 

I suspect it will depend on who you see and whether they suspect you of deprivation of capital.

[Shoelover]

There is no maximum or minimum period.

If there was a fraud investigation, with justification, they could go back as far as was deemed reasonable.

[theronstar]

Not to scare you - as you are only asking a genuine question - but if they want to, the authorities can run as many background checks on you as they like.

 

Though that will be in cases where they think a claimant is being untruthful - and they would likely tell the claimant that they were under investigation.

[san_d]

Thank you all.

 

If someone claims JSA or UC and they have more than £6000 in savings, how many months of bank statements should they give. I remember last time I claimed JSA I was asked for bank statements but I only gave the first page of printouts.

[theronstar]

There is no maximum or minimum period.

If there was a fraud investigation, with justification, they could go back as far as was deemed reasonable.

 

Your question has already been answered in case you did not re-read the above responses.

[san_d]

Your question has already been answered in case you did not re-read the above responses.

 

My original question was answered. I acknowledge that.

 

Then I asked a second, more specific question, related to the time one applies to benefits (as opposed to a compliance check).

[Shoelover]

There is not an answer that is set in stone. It will be whatever is deemed reasonable at the time.

Why does it matter so much!