Does UC "know" if you have savings?

[Wobblestick]

For example, I have some savings that mean I need to pay income tax on the interest. The tax people know about that and adjust my tax code. I've never told them, they must get the info automatically from the bank. Which is good.

Does it work the same way for UC? It's not about me btw. I saw something by accident that makes me think BF may be claiming UC and if he is, he's lied to me about pretty much everything.

However I also know he has significant savings becuase I've seen that too (I honestly don't snoop, he's very careless with privacy!) so if they would automatically know he has significant savings, making him ineligible, I've got the wrong end of the stick.

The way he doesn't hide anything makes me think I must be wrong and he has nothing to hide, but I can't really think of another explanation for what I saw.

They would know but the claim could get through originally and then when they realise or someone alerts its becomes fraud.

Some benefits are not means tested like PIP.

The other possibility is he could be the appointee for someone else like a disabled adult child and he receives on their behalf and its linked to their savings if he has a child like that.

It was an online "diary" I saw. Definitely headed Universal Credit.

The reason I saw it was because he gave a big sigh as he opened the email. I asked what was wrong and he said it was something he'd forgotten to do.

Yes. HMRC get this info from banks and share it with DWP. People have been prosecuted for benefit fraud using this info.

Just to add, I used to work for DWP so have seen this first hand.

They ask for bank statements, which would show any transactions being made transferring money into savings accounts. If your savings were built up growth very historical transactions, or are in non-fiat, in investments, or cash under the mattress, they’re not going to be visible to UC and are reliant on either being declared, or picked up on if you’re investigated for fraud.