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DWP "Customer Compliance" interview

andysays said:
They have, however, instructed me to bring



So if I turn up next week with proof of savings significantly over the £16k mark, and these have mysteriously vanished in six months time, then there might be problems, as you've mentioned above.
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in this situation, they would need to show that you had disposed of the money in order to deliberately receive benefits. when does she start college?
 
Paulie Tandoori said:
in this situation, they would need to show that you had disposed of the money in order to deliberately receive benefits. when does she start college?
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She's applied to go to university next academic year, by which point I'll have been claiming for just over a year, so the contribution based ESA is likely to have ended.
 
andysays said:
She's applied to go to university next academic year, by which point I'll have been claiming for just over a year, so the contribution based ESA is likely to have ended.
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well then, transferring sufficient funds to allow her to settle into college seems an eminently reasonable strategy to take, and if they try to fuck you about, i would hope that you would be able to make the argument to overcome any objections that DWP may have.
 
Paulie Tandoori said:
well then, transferring sufficient funds to allow her to settle into college seems an eminently reasonable strategy to take, and if they try to fuck you about, i would hope that you would be able to make the argument to overcome any objections that DWP may have.
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yeah, this seems reasonable, but for my peace of mind i think i'd better get some further advice.

thanks to everyone who's contributed - it's been very helpful :)
 
So, I had this interview the other day.

I phoned the Job Centre first to ask what it was all about, but they were unable to give me any info over the phone (Data Protection, obvs...). And I couldn't arrange to see someone from the CAB, but after the advice I got here I already knew what my position was, so that was OK.

Anyway, it turned out that in this case, a Customer Compliance interview isn't some sort of random administrative check, it means they're acting on what someone described above as a malicious tip off.

As I suspected, they wanted to know about savings, because they've been told about an "inheritance", but fortunately for me (and unfortunately for whoever tipped them off) the extent of my savings ATM is irrelevent because my benefits are contributory rather than means tested, so I wasn't required to disclose those when I applied, and I still don't have to now (I will have to after I've been claiming for a total of a year though, so I suppose it's good to get that clarified now). All in all, no harm done and no question of me having made a didgy claim or been over paid.

So in general, this re-enforces the point that it's always good to know exactly what benefits you're claiming, whether they're contributory or means tested and what the implications of that might be in future.

Thanks again to all those who offered advice and support.
 
andysays said:
So, I had this interview the other day.

I phoned the Job Centre first to ask what it was all about, but they were unable to give me any info over the phone (Data Protection, obvs...). And I couldn't arrange to see someone from the CAB, but after the advice I got here I already knew what my position was, so that was OK.

Anyway, it turned out that in this case, a Customer Compliance interview isn't some sort of random administrative check, it means they're acting on what someone described above as a malicious tip off.

As I suspected, they wanted to know about savings, because they've been told about an "inheritance", but fortunately for me (and unfortunately for whoever tipped them off) the extent of my savings ATM is irrelevent because my benefits are contributory rather than means tested, so I wasn't required to disclose those when I applied, and I still don't have to now (I will have to after I've been claiming for a total of a year though, so I suppose it's good to get that clarified now). All in all, no harm done and no question of me having made a didgy claim or been over paid.

So in general, this re-enforces the point that it's always good to know exactly what benefits you're claiming, whether they're contributory or means tested and what the implications of that might be in future.

Thanks again to all those who offered advice and support.
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Glad it went ok, although what nasty-minded busybody gives 'tip offs' the DWP? Do you know who it was?
 
8115 said:
Could have been automatic? They're trying to "join up" with banks, right? Or have they not done this yet?
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There was some mention that they get info from banks about interest, and can therefore get some idea about if you have significant savings.

In this case, however, the guy specifically mentioned an inheritance, and my bank don't know the source of the money, so couldn't have provided them with that info :hmm:
 
andysays said:
There was some mention that they get info from banks about interest, and can therefore get some idea about if you have significant savings.

In this case, however, the guy specifically mentioned an inheritance, and my bank don't know the source of the money, so couldn't have provided them with that info :hmm:
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Yeah, although they could have just assumed. Just trying to say, not necessarily someone grassing you up. People are c***s though, so you never know.
 
Please could anybody help as I have received a letter from Jobcentreplus Customer Compliance inviting me to an interview and from what I have read on this forum it sounds like they are investigating a fraud or similar which I am very puzzled at as when I rang the person up to see what it was about as I am not eligible to look for work as I am retired and she said it has nothing to do with a job and I am in receipt of benefits, when I explained I only get 21.00 pounds per week for pension credit, she was quite sharp and said well that is a benefit and she would not discuss anything further and am now awaiting a date for an appointment. I have a basic pension which is topped up with pension credit so am at a loss as to what this could be, I have never claimed for anything in my life and the only thing I can think of is that I do a lot of voluntary work and although I don't receive payment for any of my voluntary work I do get travelling expenses to cover my petrol, does anybody know if this is classed as an income? I would appreciate any help as I have been worried sick - I am new to this site so hopefully I have done this properly??
 
Confused44 said:
Please could anybody help as I have received a letter from Jobcentreplus Customer Compliance inviting me to an interview and from what I have read on this forum it sounds like they are investigating a fraud or similar which I am very puzzled at as when I rang the person up to see what it was about as I am not eligible to look for work as I am retired and she said it has nothing to do with a job and I am in receipt of benefits, when I explained I only get 21.00 pounds per week for pension credit, she was quite sharp and said well that is a benefit and she would not discuss anything further and am now awaiting a date for an appointment. I have a basic pension which is topped up with pension credit so am at a loss as to what this could be, I have never claimed for anything in my life and the only thing I can think of is that I do a lot of voluntary work and although I don't receive payment for any of my voluntary work I do get travelling expenses to cover my petrol, does anybody know if this is classed as an income? I would appreciate any help as I have been worried sick - I am new to this site so hopefully I have done this properly??
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Hi Confused44, welcome to Urban75. Yes, you've done it properly.

It was me who started this thread originally when I got a letter calling me for a Customer Compliance interview, so hopefully I can be of some help.

I was also told over the phone that they couldn't discuss anything before the interview, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. I'm also claiming a benefit which doesn't require me to be looking for work, so the fact that the interview is at a JobCentre doesn't mean it's got anything to do with work as such, just that it's the office of the DWP.

Have you been asked to provide any information or proof of anything as part of the interview? That might give some clue as to what they're interested in.

I was asked to bring bank statements with me, to prove my level of savings, but as it turned out they didn't actually need/weren't entitled to see those.

I don't know anything about Pensions and Pension Credit, but in general there are two types of benefits, Means Tested and Nat Insurance contributions based. It should say on the letter informing you of your entitlement which of the two it is.

If your benefits are Nat Ins contributions based, then your income, the amount of savings you have etc, is irrelevant, but if they are Means Tested, you have to tell them about any income, savings, etc and if this is over a particular threshold your benefit will be reduced. So if you're on means tested benefit they might want to check the details of this.

I wouldn't have thought that expenses you get for doing voluntary work would count as income, but I don't know for sure. Unless they've asked you specifically about this in the letter I wouldn't assume that this is what they're interested in. You might want to ask them hypothetically what the situation would be if you were in this situation, if you see what I mean.

A Customer Compliance interview is not an accusation of fraud - if they seriously think you've attempted fraud they will have to go through a seperate process, including questioning you under caution - so try not to worry that this is about to happen.

And if you're still feeling nervous or worried about going to the interview, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't take a friend with you for moral support (and to ensure you've got a witness in the unlikely event this turns into something serious).

Hope this is helpful, and feel free to come back with more questions. When is the interview, by the way?
 
Hello Confused44, sorry that a problem brought you here. andysays has covered most of what you need to know.

For extra reassurance, see your local Citizens Advice Bureau if you can.

Certainly take somebody with you when called in, for moral support, people working for jobcentres (or the DWP) can be rather daunting at times.
 
Confused44 said:
Please could anybody help as I have received a letter from Jobcentreplus Customer Compliance inviting me to an interview and from what I have read on this forum it sounds like they are investigating a fraud or similar which I am very puzzled at as when I rang the person up to see what it was about as I am not eligible to look for work as I am retired and she said it has nothing to do with a job and I am in receipt of benefits, when I explained I only get 21.00 pounds per week for pension credit, she was quite sharp and said well that is a benefit and she would not discuss anything further and am now awaiting a date for an appointment. I have a basic pension which is topped up with pension credit so am at a loss as to what this could be, I have never claimed for anything in my life and the only thing I can think of is that I do a lot of voluntary work and although I don't receive payment for any of my voluntary work I do get travelling expenses to cover my petrol, does anybody know if this is classed as an income? I would appreciate any help as I have been worried sick - I am new to this site so hopefully I have done this properly??
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My understanding is that Pension Credit is at least in part means tested - therefore any other income and 'capital' (i.e. savings, anything like stocks & shares, probably second property) is relevant.

It is possible that they have got the idea from somewhere (they are allowed to share data with credit referencing agencies, or has someone given them a 'tip off', and it's quite possible they got information about someone who's not you) that you have income or capital that you have not declared.

It's also just possible that they do random audits.

I'd be inclined to wait and see what it's all about and take it from there.

Age UK's page on benefits may be worth a look - it's not clear from that page whether they have an advice line, but they may be best placed to offer advice on pension related things.

I can find a few references that say that reimbursement of expenses for voluntary work is not income, but if you get paid more than what it actually costs you, then it might possibly do.
 
You are entitled to get money for the cost of travel and to cover lunch or dinner depending on when you are working. It is not payment it is expenses. The powers that be should know all about expenses.

I have been called in twice on a Saturday. The tone of the letter implied that I was claiming fraudulently & had to provide proof of ID, address and bank statements. When I turned up without bank statements because I do on-line banking & do not have a printer, I offered to email to them. This seemed to satisfy them. It seemed that it was just a random check to maybe earn overtime for working Saturdays.

The second time I did not receive the supposed letter & was sanctioned for four weeks for missing the appointment. When I went in on Monday moring & 9.30am to sign on & was informed I had missed the Saturday appointment, I asked what they wanted to see me on the Saturday for on ly three months after the last time. They did not seem to know & just used it as an excuse to sanction me for missing the appointment that I knew nothing about till after the event. I would not worry in your case because it sounds like you are entitled to what you receive so in theory have nothing to worry about as long as you attend the interview. Good luck wit it.
 
Greebo said:
Hello Confused44, sorry that a problem brought you here. andysays has covered most of what you need to know.

For extra reassurance, see your local Citizens Advice Bureau if you can.

Certainly take somebody with you when called in, for moral support, people working for jobcentres (or the DWP) can be rather daunting at times.
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Thank you for your kind response are you allowed to take somebody with you in the interview? As my daughter said she wanted to come with me
 
Puddy_Tat said:
My understanding is that Pension Credit is at least in part means tested - therefore any other income and 'capital' (i.e. savings, anything like stocks & shares, probably second property) is relevant.

It is possible that they have got the idea from somewhere (they are allowed to share data with credit referencing agencies, or has someone given them a 'tip off', and it's quite possible they got information about someone who's not you) that you have income or capital that you have not declared.

It's also just possible that they do random audits.

I'd be inclined to wait and see what it's all about and take it from there.

Age UK's page on benefits may be worth a look - it's not clear from that page whether they have an advice line, but they may be best placed to offer advice on pension related things.

I can find a few references that say that reimbursement of expenses for voluntary work is not income, but if you get paid more than what it actually costs you, then it might possibly do.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your good response it sounds to me as if I have been reported by somebody who doesn't know my circumstances ie working voluntary!!! But it is worrying to think people like that are around - I have no savings or other monies other than a very small private pension and small state pension and this is the reason for me receiving pension credit thanks for your help
 
Confused44 said:
<snip> are you allowed to take somebody with you in the interview? As my daughter said she wanted to come with me
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Of course you are. It's entirely normal to want somebody to sit in with you if you find it difficult to remember things clearly or to think straight when under pressure - that's most of us then.

Your daughter might not be allowed to speak, but she can at least listen and watch. This can be enough to give the official second thoughts about browbeating you.
 
Greebo said:
Of course you are. It's entirely normal to want somebody to sit in with you if you find it difficult to remember things clearly or to think straight when under pressure - that's most of us then.

Your daughter might not be allowed to speak, but she can at least listen and watch. This can be enough to give the official second thoughts about browbeating you.
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Aw thanks for your reply that makes me feel a bit better being able to take my daughter with me
 
andysays said:
Hi Confused44, welcome to Urban75. Yes, you've done it properly.

It was me who started this thread originally when I got a letter calling me for a Customer Compliance interview, so hopefully I can be of some help.

I was also told over the phone that they couldn't discuss anything before the interview, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. I'm also claiming a benefit which doesn't require me to be looking for work, so the fact that the interview is at a JobCentre doesn't mean it's got anything to do with work as such, just that it's the office of the DWP.

Have you been asked to provide any information or proof of anything as part of the interview? That might give some clue as to what they're interested in.

I was asked to bring bank statements with me, to prove my level of savings, but as it turned out they didn't actually need/weren't entitled to see those.

I don't know anything about Pensions and Pension Credit, but in general there are two types of benefits, Means Tested and Nat Insurance contributions based. It should say on the letter informing you of your entitlement which of the two it is.

If your benefits are Nat Ins contributions based, then your income, the amount of savings you have etc, is irrelevant, but if they are Means Tested, you have to tell them about any income, savings, etc and if this is over a particular threshold your benefit will be reduced. So if you're on means tested benefit they might want to check the details of this.

I wouldn't have thought that expenses you get for doing voluntary work would count as income, but I don't know for sure. Unless they've asked you specifically about this in the letter I wouldn't assume that this is what they're interested in. You might want to ask them hypothetically what the situation would be if you were in this situation, if you see what I mean.

A Customer Compliance interview is not an accusation of fraud - if they seriously think you've attempted fraud they will have to go through a seperate process, including questioning you under caution - so try not to worry that this is about to happen.

And if you're still feeling nervous or worried about going to the interview, I can't see any reason why you shouldn't take a friend with you for moral support (and to ensure you've got a witness in the unlikely event this turns into something serious).

Hope this is helpful, and feel free to come back with more questions. When is the interview, by the way?
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Hi

Thanks for your response to my question and thanks for starting this thread as it has helped a lot.

I have been asked to take ID ie passport,driving license and other documents like utility bill and bank statements - I was asked to attend a meeting on the 9th May but unfortunately I had another appointment so couldn't go on that day and am now waiting for them to get back to me with another date -
 
Confused44 said:
Thank you for your kind response are you allowed to take somebody with you in the interview? As my daughter said she wanted to come with me
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Hi.
It's absolutely fine for your daughter to go with you. A lot of people (not just pensioners or disabled people, but anyone who gets anxious when surrounded by bureaucracy!) need a bit of moral support so that they don't feel intimidated. The functionary that interviews you may say that your daughter is not allowed to advocate for you (i.e. put your case for you), but that doesn't mean that your daughter can't advise you (i.e. talk to you rather than the bureaucrat, and make suggestions) and/or make contemporaneous notes.

Compliance interviews can be triggered for any number of reasons. Sometimes it's because someone has called the fraud hotline, but more often it's just pure bad luck that the DWP's method of randomly-selecting people for interview has picked you.
 
Confused44 said:
Hi

Thanks for your response to my question and thanks for starting this thread as it has helped a lot.

I have been asked to take ID ie passport,driving license and other documents like utility bill and bank statements - I was asked to attend a meeting on the 9th May but unfortunately I had another appointment so couldn't go on that day and am now waiting for them to get back to me with another date -
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I'm glad that the thread I started to help me has helped you too.

I guess many of us on benefits can sometimes feel like we are all alone against a faceless bureaucracy and that proper advice and (just as important) support from those in a similar position can be hard to find - that's why it's good if we can help and support each other like this.

Good luck at your rescheduled meeting, and good on you for making sure you get a date which is convenient for you.
 
Confused44 , as others have said it's perfectly fine to take your daughter as moral support. I think they are running everyone through the system nowadays as the number of people I've heard of getting these interviews has rocketed. It infuriates me that people are being put through this for potentially a few quid, if that, while the likes of Vodaphone, Starbucks and Ecclestone get away with millions of unpaid tax :mad:

Try not to stress about it, I know that's easier said than done.
 
I had a compliance meeting with the job centre yesterday, took along what i needed for it, standard letter did not even state a query had arose, went through my circumstances bla bla bla, then got asked if i knew why i was there, i said no, id had a look online and could not see a reason, then i was told there had been a complaint about me, they had been informed i was living with someone, they told me the complaint was made last month, they gave me a description of the person that i was meant to be living with, does not even match anyone i know, the compliance officer kept asking who the description was of as it was a detailed description according to her (5'6,stocky build,darkhair and between 35-40).
Wanted to know if id fallen out with anyone trying to get me to point the finger at someone.
Was asked what if they put surveillance on my home? feel free was my attitude!
I was asked about who lived at my address before me, i answered honestly stating i did not know but i gave them the name on most of post that i have to return.(any idea's why i'd be asked that?).
Only thing i can think of is my landlord is in dispute with a company doing work , they caught out partly due to me telling the landlord some of the hidden stuff and the rest is visually obvious, the company has already asked the landlord to evict me, i've been subject to some underhanded stuff by this company and upon their last visit had a letter with previous person who lived here going missing. any advice on this i would be grateful for.
 
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