DWP Benefit Review: Thousands May Be Owed Money for Closed Claims
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a review of previously closed New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) claims, admitting it may have failed to follow correct procedures between 2019 and 2023. Individuals whose claims were terminated after missing scheduled appointments could be entitled to back payments, but they face a strict one-month deadline to respond to official letters.
New guidance published on September 24 confirms the DWP is examining potentially affected cases across Scotland, England, and Wales. The department will contact claimants directly, but recipients must act swiftly or risk forfeiting any money owed to them.
Who is eligible for the DWP review?
Claimants who received New Style JSA between 2019 and 2023 may be affected if their claim was closed after they failed to attend or participate in a scheduled appointment. The review covers cases where notification was given by telephone or in person.
The DWP guidance states:
During this period, DWP may not have followed the correct process when closing some claims. We are reviewing potentially affected cases to ensure that decisions were made in line with the relevant guidance.
Claimants do not need to contact the DWP proactively. The department will send letters to anyone it believes may have been affected.
What is the one-month deadline for claimants?
Anyone receiving a letter must call the telephone number provided within one month. During the call, claimants will need to provide their name (including any previous names), National Insurance number, address, telephone number, and bank details.
The DWP will also ask additional questions to determine whether the claim was incorrectly closed, including whether the claimant knew their claim had ended, how they discovered this, and what actions they took afterwards. Claimants will also be asked how they supported themselves financially after payments stopped.
The guidance warns:
If you do not call the number on your letter within one month, the review will be closed and you may lose any money that is owed to you.
What happens if the DWP finds a claim was incorrectly closed?
Once the necessary information is provided, the DWP will reassess the claim to determine whether additional New Style JSA payments were due. Any money owed will be paid into the bank, building society, or credit union account provided during the telephone call. Claimants whose account details change are advised to notify the DWP immediately.
New Style JSA is a contribution-based benefit for individuals who are unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours per week, provided they have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.
For full details, refer to the official guidance on GOV.UK.
Frequently asked questions about the DWP benefit review
How do I know if I am affected by the DWP review?
The DWP will write directly to anyone it believes may have been affected. If you claimed New Style JSA between 2019 and 2023 and your claim was closed after missing an appointment, watch for a letter from the department.
What should I do if I receive a letter from the DWP?
Call the telephone number on the letter within one month. Have your National Insurance number, address, and bank details ready. Ignoring the letter may result in losing any money owed to you.
Can I contact the DWP to check if I am included in the review?
No. The DWP advises that claimants do not need to contact them proactively. The department will send letters to all potentially affected individuals.