Is this just getting ridiculous! UNIVERSAL CREDIT

[ChristmasTime2023]

So had a review with UC today phone call she stated she would up date the journal with what I need to provide.
A full length photo of myself standing outside my front door with the key in the lock!?
Then a letter from the children's school & nursery saying they attend there
A letter from the children's gp
Passport photos
Child benefit award letter
Birth certificates (they have had birth certificates before )

This isn't a new claim either I dont understand why gp letters are needed they want one for me and my partner too.

Also on the phone call asked who I use for my gas and electricity
Ive never been asked these things before seems strange to ask?
Anyone else had a review lately what did they ask for.

Partner works full time if that matters.

If what they asking for is legal which l think it is.You have no choice in the matter.

Or you could have been reported by someone who doesn't like.you.

Or it could even be a scam..Identity theft. So double check that it was a call from UC to make sure.

It may seem excessive but Benefit and especially Housing Benefit fraud is huge.

Sub letting and lying about who is lives at a tenancy is still also rife near to where l live.

I had my third ‘review’ meeting today. She demanded information, including evidence, of my capital on the date of 11/11/25? I didn’t even know what that meant! After multiple questions I realised she mean she wanted bank statements from that exact date! Because that’s when the review should have taken place! It’s like a game of how many hoops can they make us jump

They wanted a dr letter, but day 1 of nausea I told them I wouldn’t get a dr appt - bargained them down to that. They also wanted a shot os a thermometer. Not always relevant for a sore tummy and I have teens - I don’t own a thermometer any more - nuts! All these pictures can be AI.

More to do with minimising risk of government pursuing maintenance from father if mum is claiming benefits.
I am aware that this isn't an option for all. I'm also aware that not all single parents claim benefits

It’s ridiculous. My friend is often having to use up GPs and nurses appointments, which could go to those who really need it, for her kids reasonably minor ailments just because the school demand it as proof if she says the kid has a bad cold.

You must be exhausted!

Thank you. I will get her to ask. She is in right mess financially now and there's indication of when it will start either.

Unfortunately it seems the lengths they have to go to now because of too much benefit fraud. Have you read cases about groups of people who have defrauded the system of millions per group?

Basically, when you're genuine and have nothing to hide then a few photos and forms aren't that strenuous. To get government money free it's a tiny inconvenience. Xx

Thanks, had to simplify it to make it easy enough for you to understand. You couldn’t misunderstand it so you reported it! Brilliant😂😂

Of course but for those who have been able to work but chosen not it it's a bitter pill. I agree it's positive to have stipulated more evidence to avoid the defrauding of the system. For genuine people it's really not that hard to stand in front of your door for a photo?

This is also due because of people abroad who rent their houses/paid by UC or/and pretending to be someone else.

Modern technology is simply a new resource to find out the genuine claims.

Please believe me, I know people who have been fraudulent for decades so yes it's good they get found out. Xx

I had a standard review where I had to submit 4 months bank statements and PayPal ones. They asked about 20 questions regarding transactions (one was £8 in Asda). The standard review one is what all UC claimants will receive.

From what you’ve said, it sounds like an enhanced review which is normally when someone has reported you for benefit fraud.

Don’t claim it then.

Years ago they used to surprise visit you and interview you. I remember having to show proof of address. And they also spot checked all the rooms. Checking wardrobes drawers and bathrooms for toothbrushes and other stuff that would point to someone else living there

Would I have to show them my piles to prove that the Haemorrhoid cream was mine?
Honestly all my medicine in my bathroom cupboard is unisex!
As for the clothes, if you had a partner such as my ex, none of the clothes would be in the wardrobe anyway, they'd have to ask for a photo of the floor

You’re getting free money from the state / taxpayers and you’re complaining about providing a few bits of information? This country has such an “entitlement” epidemic because of people like you. Don’t want to provide a few bits of information? Easy - don’t; but then don’t expect free money.

This is such a bizarre way of checking anything though. If you checked my mums wardrobes and bathrooms you'd conclude that there were children ranging in age from 7/8 to about 14. Men in varying sizes from 28" waist/S top, to 36" waist/L top. And about 20 women based on the amount of clothes she has. Then various adult and children's bath stuff and multiple toothbrushes.

Actually there's 2 adults that live there, and clothes for all her Grandchildren (enough for a day or 2 each) for emergencies.

She doesn't claim any benefits, so a check wouldn't happen. But it shows that what's in the house doesn't reflect who lives there. Not too mention that fact that benefit claimants are allowed to have a partner that stays over sometimes.

Ffs 😂

But if maintenance is paid it is no longer deducted from benefits since UC came out- so makes no difference to a claim,unless the single parent receives so much maintenance they decide not to claim UC.

Not me. I'm not that bothered by swearing. I think it shows a certain lack of articulacy but tbh I wouldn't know how to report, it's not really my thing.

Sounds a little as if she is thinking of triggering an investigation to see if you are living exactly as stated. The photo of you by the front door with the key in the lock is to hold on file so that surveillance can tell if it is you coming and going, if the DWP trigger an investigation.

There are two reasons for this (either one may apply).

Surveillance contractor needs a photo:

a) to compare against who comes in and out so they can see it is really you living there.

b) to see the times you come and go, with no risk of mis-identifying someone else. 'Times of coming and going' are a part of an investigation to check that you don't work, or don't work more hours than you say, and things of this nature. They also tend to ask neighbours 'have you seen X coming and going?'

These items are not normal requests. She has something in mind. She is definitely checking out where you reside.

Do NOT use AI to create or change images. They have systems in place that detect this, and that would be the end of your claim.

You sound completely above board, but she is a meddling jobsworth.

It sounds horrible and humiliating. It’s like they are bringing in the shame element of being poor as they did with the workhouse .. not that long ago. I’m shocked that so many on here are thinking they are right. It makes you want to have ID cards if they have to be so intrusive. I’m so sorry you having to go through this. There are times in a woman’s life when money can be very scarce because of the responsibilities of child care. which is hard enough without the humiliation. And it is usually women.

I don't think providing the info is what OP has an issue with its insane stuff like pictures at your front door which proves nothing

Do you have exact confirmation of this, as this is not how it was said to me.

Funny thing is, they do all this, and yet it leaves out all the partners that pretty much live together, just by luck the guy rents a room somewhere or lives with his family, so keeps his address there.

Sorry I don't have anything to hand without going to find it online. But a lot of people who work for DWP/UC get things wrong about their own policies very, very frequently. It's actually awful because some of the things they say and advice they give is very wrong indeed.