Benefit fraud interview

[Shell1990]

I have just received a letter inviting me to an interview under caution for Pip. It stated I did not report a change. I have spoken to CAB who said I need to take this seriously which really has not helped my anxiety! I’m not sure what I have done wrong as I recently had my pip review and got awarded again? My health check ages daily and some days I can be fine, some I have bad dizziness, pain, fast heart rate and can’t stand or walk far!
Anyone been in this situation and can offer some advice. I have never been so worried. Not because I’m guilty but the matter is really threatening!

Ring them and ask for more information, could just as easily be an admin error. Talking to them is the only way to get any concrete answers

PIP are absolutely spread as thin as they could possibly be right now, this could be an error. You really need to speak to them though, and ask what exactly they're referring to. If it's not an error and they have cause, you'll need to seek legal advice.

I absolutely agree with their advice that you need to take this seriously. It’s worth as others have mentioned calling to see it’s an error but if not then I would really recommend you seek legal advice before you attend your interview, have someone attend the interview with you.

Is there anyone who could have photographed, filmed or reported you and sent it in which may have led to this? I know in my first role after qualifying there were a few of these where if you’ve stated something on your PIP form and then are seen/evidence shows otherwise then it can trigger these interviews. As you say your health changes daily, did your PIP form reflect this? As if you’ve said for example that you can never walk 50 metres unassisted and then are seen doing that, then you’re in trouble, but if you’ve filled it in that it fluctuates and that on a bad day you can’t walk 50 metres but on good days you can then it’s no problem to be seen walking 50 metres as can easily say that was a good day.

Have you a friend or relative you can take with you? If you truly think there is no question to answer ,it may be a mistake and therefore you don’t feel the need to take a solicitor with you then you can simply turn up and listen to what they say …as it’s under caution you do not have to say anything that would incriminate yourself and can choose to leave the interview and ask to reschedule when you have legal representation .

I have tried to call but they will not disclose any information! All the letter says is I failed to make a change of circumstances!! It’s such a threatening letter! I have spoken to a solicitor who said he deals with these all the time but CAB came across like I was about to be done for benefit fraud and that they do not just write these to anyone!

Well CAB are right, they don’t just send these to anyone, they only send them where they have reason to or believe they have reason to. If you are sure you haven’t done anything or missed anything, and sure you haven’t been “caught out”, just attend the interview and see what they say. I would recommend taking someone with you though, even if you don’t want to take legal representation take someone, a friend/family member.

Can you think of a change in circumstances or something that they could consider to be a change in circumstances that you haven't told them about?

Agree, CAB are right, you need to take this seriously. Have you had a period of time in hospital?

In England this is what can constitute a change -
What changes you need to notify the DWP about when claiming PIP

When you claim PIP, you will need to inform the DWP of any changes to your condition or personal circumstances. Some examples include:

• Your condition improves or deteriorates
• The level of help or care you need has changed
• You go into hospital or a care home for more than 28 days
• You leave the country for more than 13 weeks
• Your details have changed, e.g. your name, address
• You have changed your doctor
• Your registered bank details have changed
• You have been sent to or leave prison or legal custody.

Someone may have filmed you & sent it in. I know someone this happened to. You need to be completely honest at interview & take legal representation.