Have you been affected by Retrospective Verification of Universal Credit claims?

Have you been affected by Retrospective Verification of Universal Credit claims?

During the pandemic, because of the massive increase in claims, the DWP decided not to require Universal Credit claimants to verify their ID, rent, household constitution, etc before the benefit could be awarded: a system called 'Trust and Protect'. This was put in place in early 2020.

What’s happening now?
Claimants who have failed to provide sufficient evidence, or whom the DWP have been unable to contact, are having their Universal Credit awards closed retrospectively – back to the date of claim – causing huge overpayments. Under Universal Credit, the DWP can request that all overpayments are paid back regardless of the cause.

If you are affected by this you need to:

• Make a new claim if the award has been terminated (if still eligible)
• Request a Mandatory Reconsideration against the decision that you have been overpaid and provide the missing evidence.
• If the Mandatory Reconsideration fails, appeal.

Please remember that our Financial Inclusion Team are available to help you if you have been negatively impacted by the Retrospective Verification of UC Claims, as well as being there to support our residents to maximise their income and reduce their debt. If you need our help, please call us on 0300 123 6000 and ask to speak to the Financial Inclusion Team.