Received DWP Debt letter asking for financial details of a deceased person to Check if at the date of death they were entitled to their means tested benefits.

The personal representative details presumably 'given' to dwp from the probate office since those documents are public records. Are they requested or is there a general thing that Agencies are sent them automatically for everyone.

The person concerned was continually harrassed by the dwp having to prove this, provide that, also had so called routine home visits to check paperwork etc. It is insulting to the deceased and relatives that even after death they continue to harrass and doubt the information given while alive. Even after their death a letter was received saying that a home visit was planned, which happened to be the day of the funeral, had to then phone up and 'justify' to them why it was not appropriate to visit!

They are asking for property value, am sure that is not means tested, or are they fishing incase there is a potential claim.

I have no problem in paying back, don't get me wrong I am not trying to avoid paying anything back if there has been an error, not if the error is theirs though, I just object to being asked when it is already an upsetting time and I object to yet again having to supply personal details 'into' the dwp machinery.

Is it normal for every Estate to be asked? Can I object, what implications are there for refusal or being uncoperative.

Any advice would be helpfull

Hi Ricky,

Not an area of which I have any experience, nor to the best of my knowledge have any of the other moderators. Our experience is pretty much limited to Incapacity Benefit, Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance and social security appeals.

You can try this link HERE

If that doesn't help try Community Legal Advice

Jim