Compliance Officer Visit?

My husband has today a received a letter from DWP informing him of a visit by a compliance officer next week. He is in receipt of ESA (SG) and DLA HM MC. Contribution based ESA. he was medically retired about 3 years ago when his disability became too severe for him to carry on working.

He has recently completed his ESA50 agin and been put in the support group again without a medical.Evidence from Consultant and GP. He is. Of due for reassessment for another two years.

He rang DWP to be told it is nothing suspicious but just a review of his case. I have not heard of this before and we are of course suspicious of their intent. they wish to see evidence of ID etc which is no problem but also wish to see evidence of occupational pensions of both my husband and myself, Isas, bank statements etc. etc. now I find this strange, he is not claiming anything income based just the two benefits stated. Can anyone advise as to what this can all mean?

Gordon wrote: Margaret

We have seen a number of members have these visits recently, it seems to be related to claimants having some pension income whilst receiving ESA(CB), which as you point out should not be a problem.

So far, no one has reported a problem, a the meeting have been short and sweet once the CO has seen the necessary documentation.

Gordon

Thank you Gordon

Yes, I just find it strange and rather intrusive to be honest. He is in receipt of occupational pensions ie civil service and Local government, I have my NHS pension. As you correctly point out, neither of the benefits are income related, just seems a cheek really. My husband has got himself all worked up over this, paranoid even, suspicious of malicious intent. This really is a case of jumping through hoops continuously which is clearly not conducive to good mental and physical well being. He is already at a low ebb as the morphine patches make him feel sick and dizzy and he struggles with feelings of uselessness since retiring from his demanding job and coming to terms with his disability.

Gordon wrote: Margaret

I amended my post after submitting it, but I was obviously not quick enough to catch your reply

Under normal circumstances there is an £85/week disregard for pensions when a claimant is receiving ESA(CB), pensions in excess of this will result in a £1 deduction for every £2 of pension, so if you husbands pension were £100/week then there would be a £7.50/week deduction (£100 - £85 = £15 / 2 - £7.50).

Gordon

Thank you again, is this something new with regards the reduction in ESA/ occupational pension?
We don't recall hearing anything about this? We don't recall being asked about occ. pension whilst filling out ESA 50. Would DWP not have this information from HRMC?
He was told there would be 2 officers visiting as one is new in the post...more reason to be suspicious? Or is my husbands paranoia rubbing off on me!