In an unusual move, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has requested a Universal Credit recipient to hand over bank statements spanning nine years. Yes, you read that right—nine years! This baffling demand is causing quite a stir among benefit claimants, with many scratching their heads about its relevance.
One claimant took to Reddit to express frustration, saying they’ve only been on Universal Credit for six months, yet they’re now being asked for bank statements from almost a decade ago. For context, they’re being asked to provide records from when their savings first exceeded the £6,000 mark. However, their bank’s online system only retains records for seven years, forcing them to dig deep for paper copies.
This raises a burning question: Is this level of scrutiny reasonable? And, more importantly, how useful could these old records possibly be to the DWP?
The claimant argues that they’ve been compliant and cooperative with previous requests, but this feels over-the-top and overly intrusive. What do you think about this? Is this level of financial analysis fair game, or is it taking things too far?
For those navigating Universal Credit, remember that savings play a crucial role. If your savings exceed £6,000, it could reduce your payments. Anything between £6,000 and £16,000 leads to a deduction of £4.35 per every £250. Keep an eye on your savings thresholds to avoid unexpected surprises in your payments.
What do you think of this situation? Is the DWP request justified, or is it crossing a line? Share your thoughts!