Question
I have been told that the DWP also do home visits to check up on benefit claims. Is this correct? And if so what will happen before and during a visit?
Answer
Yes, the DWP can arrange home visits in relation to benefits. However, this is normally in relation to assisting someone with a benefit claim or in relation to a health professional carrying out a medical assessment and examination – rather than checking up on what you are doing.
Before the visit, the DWP Visiting Team should be able to call you. 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 team should also let you know how to reach them if needed. In addition, they should tell you the visiting officer's name, which documents you need to present at the start of the visit, and any other important information that the DWP will need.
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.
More Information:
The ME Association has several booklets about applying for Universal Credit and PIP that may be of interest, including:
Related Categories
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.