How long does a dwp investigation take?
Your primary question if you or someone you know is involved in a dwp investigation or Department of Work and Pensions investigation is when will this all be done with? The truth of the matter is it can be a very stressful time for all parties that are in the mix.
Here you can learn more about how long does a dwp investigation take and what’s involved in the process.
What is A DWP Investigation & What Triggers A DWP Investigation?
Any type of DWP investigation is a deeper dive and a closer look into anyone who they believe may be committing benefit fraud. It can be reported from a third party for example, or it’s possible the matter came into concern based on the DWP using its own intelligence and data analysis.
Benefit Fraud in Detail
It’s also important to understand what benefit fraud is in more detail. It’s when someone claims benefits to which they are not technically or lawfully entitled. There are some common acts of benefit fraud to be aware of that might come into play.
These are as follows:
- Providing false information on a form or in an interview
- Failing to report a change in circumstances
- Faking an injury or illness that prevents them from working
- Not reporting other people who live with you at the residence
- Not reporting additional household income for the purpose of preserving tax benefits
What needs to be determined is that a person is receiving a benefit they are not eligible or entitled to receive such as a tax break or a payment, for instance.
Is the DWP Investigating Me?
You may be on edge or wondering if you are currently being investigated by the DWP. You should know that the relevant agency is required to notify and contact you if you are being investigated. If it’s not the DWP then it will likely be the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), or maybe a local authority that comes to you. It all depends on the severity of the case at hand. They might contact you via telephone or mail, for example. When you will be contacted and how so is often left up in the air, unfortunately.
How Long Does A DWP Investigation Take?
The reality is that there is no standard or set amount of time for how long a DWP investigation will take. In an ideal world, you would know what to expect and when it will all be concluded but this is not the case. You should, however, expect a DWP investigation to last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of years, in some extreme cases.
For the majority of people being investigated, you can expect it to last roughly a few months. However, getting back on your feet financially can take much longer so be prepared for this occurrence and hurdle.
Looking for advice on a DWP investigation
Are you or someone you know involved in a DWP investigation and is seeking legal advice? Then we are happy to help. Please get in touch with our team of legal experts today to get the conversation started.
