DWP investigation

[Sideways Tim]

A friend of mine has been unable to work due to health reasons for many years now. The DWP have asked for financial info as they have discovered an ISA that my pal didn't know their parents had set up for them.

Parents are now out of the picture, but the ISA is still being topped up. What we're worried about is the DWP bringing a fraud case.

Is there anyone to get advise from about this kind of thing?

[Sideways Tim]

Wealthy parents that set things in place and there's either a fund or something in place with the family accountants that keep paying into the ISA.
The DWP getting touch was the first time he new about the ISA.

Jail seems a bit strong

Part of the disability is an inability to deal with facts and figures. I guess legal advice is probably a good idea.

[Sideways Tim]

Thanks, that's quite reassuring. Hopefully it's as easy as that.
Trying to get a bit more info to give a fuller picture.

[Sideways Tim]

Right. This makes more sense. The ISA was a single payment, set up by the parents in his name. Turns out to be quite a substantial amount.

We've requested a statement, but in the mean time will contact the DWP and 'fess up, telling them that there's a statement on the way and offering to return any overpayment.

Bit of a silver lining to what could have been pretty dreadful. Prison ffs!

[Sideways Tim]

KevinCamaroSS said:

Not possible. An ISA has pretty low limits for annual inputs. Therefore it cannot be a single payment and substantial.

Sorry, I'm getting info second hand from someone who has even less idea than I do about it.
There's nothing going in now, but it is up to the maximum amount it can be. I suppose there's degrees of substantial too.
There's not enough in there to cover repaying the benefit already paid out, but certainly a good chunk of it.

[Sideways Tim]

BobSaunders said:

Legal advice before contacting the DWP.

Yes, sounds like the best idea.

[Sideways Tim]

williaa68 said:

Try your local citizens advice bureau. They are very used to dealing with the DWP, understand the limits etc and they are free. They will be completely fine with you going with him if that helps. Good luck.

Exactly what we're doing tomorrow. It's a complex family situation, but the statements and paperwork for the ISA were all going to the parental home, not my mates place. Hoping that might have some swing with the DWP. Will find out soon enough I suppose.

[Sideways Tim]

Sheepshanks said:

I know you said it was in his name, but has something been done to make the money available to him?

The parents may have used his name to fiddle the ISA allowance limits.

That's an interesting point. Thanks.

[Sideways Tim]

At the CAB now. They have suggested a formal fraud interview and to lawyer up.
Not looking too good at present, but thanks all for your input.

[Sideways Tim]

xjay1337 said:

Fraud interview is normal.

Wouldn't worry at this point. Lawyer isn't a bad idea but at this stage unless it was free or next to nothing, wouldn't bother.

Will explain more later ....

Intrigued, thanks.

[Sideways Tim]

Thanks folks, all good advice and helping.

[Sideways Tim]

The CAB were fantastic. Gave us a list of solicitors to approach, spoke to the DWP to check the investigation was kosher (only contact had been by telephone, using a mobile number), it is though. Spoken to one of the solicitors, who has made all the right noises and is now in retainer.
It's looking a lot more positive now.

Thanks all for your advice.

[Sideways Tim]

The amount is the issue, it's going on for ten years of benefits. He's happy with someone in his corner though.

[Sideways Tim]

williaa68 said:

Glad to hear this. They do a lot of good work and often struggle for funding. Most of them will take a small donation if you ask so maybe your friend could drop a tenner in their tin next time he is passing.

I never knew that. I certainly will, they were brilliant.

[Sideways Tim]

A conclusion to this thread. Letter arrived today, he has to pay back circa £20k of benefits, but no further action will be taken.
Result - much relief!

[Sideways Tim]

sc0tt said:

How much was he receiving?

Mandat said:

How much was in the ISA account, and can that be used to pay off the settlement?

Not got figures to hand but about £56 a week, they want seven years worth back and yes, there is enough in the ISA to cover it.

To say it's a massive relief is an understatement.