DWP could send officers to your home and what to expect

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can make visits to people on certain benefits - but you need to know the rules. Often, the government department organises home visits to assist some claimants with their benefit applications.

But it's vital to steer clear of scams or other potential problems. Therefore, it's really important that claimants know how to handle someone at their doorclaiming to be from the DWP - and there is a proper process to follow.

There are various reasons why the DWP might visit. Sometimes, for example, a charity helping you with your claim, like Age UK or Citizens Advice, could refer you for a visit. Below, we look into the issue in more detail.

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Why the DWP might visit your home

A DWP officer will typically drop by if you've told them you need a hand with your benefit claim. Claimants can't schedule these visits themselves.

They're only set up if the DWP has decided you qualify for extra support. Several factors could make you eligible for additional help with your claim, such as:

Not being able to claim benefits in any other way

Having complex needs

Being disabled

Being a vulnerable young person making a claim for the first time

Having nobody else to support you

What will happen during a DWP visit to your house?

Before the visit, the DWP Visiting Team should ring you up. They'll inform you about the scheduled visit and what to expect - you might also get a text confirming the details.

You should also receive a letter at your home address, verifying the arranged visit. The only time this won't happen is if the visit was set up at short notice and it's due before the letter arrives.

The team will also let you know how to reach them if needed. In addition, they sould tell you the visiting officer's name, which documents you need to present at the start of the visit, and any other important information for the DWP.

How can I be sure a DWP visit is legitimate?

If the DWP Visiting Team visits your home, you're entitled to ask the visiting officer to show their photo ID. You can then cross-check the name they provide with the one given by the team before the visit.

Claimants who might struggle to verify the authenticity of a photo identity card, perhaps due to eyesight problems, can arrange for a password to be used by the visiting officer upon arrival. This confirms the legitimacy of the visit - but remember, this password must be established before the visit occurs.

Additionally, you can ring up the Visiting Team to cross-check the officer's name when they arrive at your doorstep. The contact number should have already been given in a letter or text message notifying you of the upcoming visit.