Update involving all those claiming Universal Credit

Hi All,

Having just recently had my UC interview in July 2025, I was quite shocked to receive a message in my journal informing me that my UC claim is set to be reviewed. Having just been awarded LCWRA, I decided to call the helpline to find out what was going on.
I was told that 'ALL 8.3mil UC claimants are having their claims reviewed as per an independant company hired by the government'.
I waited for my appointment, and after informing the agent that I'd just had a review in July 2025, I was told this is separate, and it's to check that you're being paid the correct money and that your details are up to date. I can't fault the agent, she was lovely, but just to give everyone a heads up about what is likely to be asked.
After speaking with the agent, I was asked for my photographic ID - Driving License or Passport (front and back of DL and 2 pages with PP) and also a photo of me holding my ID up against my face - like a selfie.
I was also asked for 4 months of backdated bank statements (only my bank where my UC payments are made) to start of with. I was told that they'd be checking to see if any other income is being paid for whatever reason, and any large cash withdrawals have been made and what they were in relation too. This is the first step. After this is completed, then they're likely to ask you about other savings accounts/ISA's/paypal etc etc (Help 2 save included). I was told also not to worry about my money being stopped or altered in the meantime whilst the review is being conducted, this would only happen in the event of fraud, but not by the people conducting the assessments, as apparently they don't have the power to do this, but by DWP staff (decision makers), upon the advice of this company, should anything suspicious be flagged by the system.

So, it was just to pre-warn everybody, that having been told this - it seems pretty certain that everyone will be getting an appointment in the near future, until all claims have been reviewed.

Whether Steve and the back office want to pick up on this for their next newsletter or not ?

Regards, Chris.