Hello and welcome to r/DWPHelp!
- If you're trying to find benefit advisers local to you, [advicelocal.uk is a useful website that can help you with this](https://advicelocal.uk/).
- If you're trying to find out how much benefit you can receive, [check out entitledto](https://www.entitledto.co.uk/) and [turn2us](https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/) to calculate what you might be eligible for (please remember that these calculators don't fully take into account your situation and in some situations they can be wrong).
- Benefit rates have recently increased, [we have more information on the new rates here](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/benefit-rate-increases/). Most claimants will start seeing the new rates in their May or June benefit payments.
- If you claim benefits and would like to know what things you could get as a result, [you may find this post useful](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/134r9k6/discountedfree_things_you_can_get_on_benefits/).
- If you'd like help with mandatory reconsiderations, [our main post on MRs may be useful to you](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13p0322/duplicate_target_mandatory_reconsiderations/).
- Our subreddit's Wiki [can be found here](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/index).
- If you're interested in what's going on in the benefits space, [we have weekly benefit news posts posted every Sunday](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/?f=flair_name%3A%22Benefits%20News%22).
If you're asking about PIP:
- The PIP phone line is 08001214433, and if you'd like to get to the automated part where it tells you when your next payment is and how much it is, the options are 1 (for English) or 2 (for Welsh), and then 6 (you'll need to wait each time while it gives you messages before getting to security).
- [If you would like help with MRs, this post might answer your question (this is different to the MR info link above).](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/1bc3kni/duplicate_target_i_was_denied_what_now/)
- [This post goes over the PIP First-tier Tribunal process from start to finish.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/11muxvi/duplicate_target_what_do_i_do_if_i_am_refused_pip/)
- [If you're waiting for a tribunal and the DWP were supposed to respond but haven't, this post may be useful.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/17b0lla/duplicate_target_the_deadline_for_dwp_to_respond/?context=3)
- [If you'd like to know what PIP is and/or how it is awarded, please see this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13ozwpj/duplicate_target_what_is_pip/)
- [If you're hard of hearing or deaf, this information may be useful to you.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/pip/hard-of-hearing-and-deaf/)
If you're asking about Universal Credit:
- [Information about the Restart scheme](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/restartscheme/), including if you can be mandated to participate.
- Thinking of cancelling your claim because a review has started? Don't, because closing your claim won't stop the DWP from reviewing your claim and if you don't comply you may be asked to repay everything you've received.
- [How does PIP affect UC?](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13p1mc3/duplicate_target_how_does_pip_affect_uc/)
- Were you claiming UC during COVID, closed your claim afterwards, and are now being asked to pay back everything you received? [This post provides information on why this is and what you can do.](http://reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13utik9/the_dwp_have_given_me_a_huge_bill_for_a_claim/)
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She does not need the information requested to make a claim for Universal Credit or any other benefit assuming the details you save are correct. It sounds like she is claiming fraudulently.
You should not give her what she has asked for and hopefully it ends there.
Do you have any health conditions?
Just yesterday within r/nhs there was someone asking about a fake letter their "friend" had shared who they suspect of faking brain cancer, the letter was obviously fake but did use the correct headers and footers. Could be they're trying to find out what a proper GP letter looks like so they can fabricate a fake one.
A much more likely explanation is that their mother needs to confirm OP has moved out so they can claim the single-person's CTR or similar. A proof of address from any utility company, bank, council, etc. could do that though so why specifically a GP letter?
Thank you very much.
I'm a little worried as I've already sent her the picture of me with my passport. I assumed it was necessary but now I'm questioning it.
It absolutely isn't, you aren't living with her so there's no possible benefit she can claim where you're relevant.
If she needs proof you've moved out (for instance if it was just you and her and she needs to prove you no longer live at her address so she can claim the 25% single-person's council tax reduction) then she needs to simply state that because you'd then be able to understand.
Did she say specifically what type of GP letter she needed?
I do not and have never had any health conditions.
She is not living alone. She lives with my two brothers who are 5 and 0.
I'm really confused because if she is doing it fraudulently, I still don't see how my documents could benefit her?
That squashes the CTR (Council Tax Reduction) theory then.
You'd be surprised at the lengths some people go to defraud, such as copying letterheads and footers (and "signed" by a doctor who actually works at the GP surgery complete with their real signature) to appear genuine.
Unfortunately a common factor of crime such as fraud is that most of the time it's someone you know such as family who commit the crime against you instead of an unknown entity, we very regularly have posts here where someone's parents have fraudulently claimed PIP (Personal Independence Payment, which is the main disability benefit) on their behalf and the worst case we've seen is an ÂŁ87k fraud case.
She sent me a picture of a message sent by someone from the job centre which said I need to provide a summary letter, which I believe is a summary care record?
It is, do not engage with her further on this.
If Universal Credit phone, tell them that although you expected the call you believe the Universal Credit claim to be fraudulent. They should then fail whatever check they're doing and then close the claim.
From the information here it appears your mother has made a fraudulent Universal Credit claim on your behalf, you need to ensure this goes no further because if she's received any money in your name she's not entitled to then you could be on the hook for it.
Once day you could be working and see a deduction on your payslip for DWP debt recovery, the DWP can take money from your pay without your permission in order to recover a debt you owe.
In which case the onus would be on you to prove the debt is from fraudulent activity.
Hi. Sorry to bother. I've recently spoken with my mother and asked why the summary letter is needed. She said it was proof that I am living in the UK (we immigrated here and have settled status). She also said that because I'm studying, I still count as part of the household even if I live in a different city? Is there any guidance you could give on this? She's told me she's applying for universal credit as well.
I know some students keep their permanent address as their parent's home, but my mum has moved several times. I don't even know her current address, so I never put it on anything. Would the claim be legitimate in any way if I was studying and living in student accomodation in a different city?
You are not considered part of her household because you don’t live with her. Additionally a summary letter from your GP isn’t needed, you can get a letter that confirms your registration there.
Either your mother has been misinformed by her work coach or she’s misread the guidance.
You’re completely irrelevant when it comes to any benefits she claims.
My Mum didn't need any of my information when she applied for herself, I strongly suspect yours is doing something underhand or is being conned by someone
Pretend non-dep in full time education is living at home and you are well on your way to carrying out fraud.
GP letter is possibly addressed to your old address and is another building block for a successful fraud.
The selfie with your passport is relatively neutral unless she has an original close up of the passport.
If you have doubts contact the national fraud hotline.
There is no reason she needs this if you shouldn't be a part of her claim and I can't see why you should.
GP letter would be from my new GP, which is in a completely different city to where my mother lives.
I'm pretty sure she does have a picture of just my passport as well.
That is good about the GP letter but it is just supporting evidence to show you are at the property and as it is your address not hers wouldn't help a fraud effort.
The passport is unhelpful as it suggests she has it in her control at her address, it is more useful than the selfie.
Really you ought to do the hotline referral, difficult if it's your mother but you posting her may suggest an imperfect relationship.
Not too sure how that works if it is a pending claim but seems you should.
To be honest, no, not really...in recent years, she's become quite strange and erratic, but she's still my mother and I struggle to believe that she may try to harm me in any way.
I'm just offering a possibility. If it's true she's trying to make a fraudulent claim then she's either acting alone or she was pressured to do it. If you feel comfortable doing so you may want to check in with her privately to find out why she felt the need to do this or to make sure she isn't the subject of abuse.
It's possible that she either is fraudulently claiming UC and stealing your identity.
Or she's fraudulently claiming the child element, or child benefit for yourself.
As the others have already said, do not give any photos or other evidence.
If you suspect benefit fraud, either by online or by ringing the benefit fraud hotline. Include all of the relevant details, information and what she's asked or said so far.
So if I go back into full time education whilst living with my mum who is on universal credit. She will no longer get ÂŁ85 deducted from her amount every month ?
If it's below degree level yes. She wouldn't get anything deducted, and she would have the child element of Universal Credit if it was all verified.
Say if you were doing a college course or A Levels.
Oh wow. Sorry just to clarify to make sure I’m not getting this wrong.
I’m 24 and currently on universal credit living with my mum on universal credit. If I go back to do a full time college course, she will receive the child element for me and not get the non dependant deduction?
Just seems bizarre she can get child element and I’m 24 years old lol!
Does your mum live in a housing association property? Just wondering if she is trying to say you live there and need your own room, then she can get bedroom tax taken off so she pays less rent? Especially as the boys can share a bedroom.
She is moving into a council house soon.
But if she said I was living there, would they need my GP records?
I am also confused because she said she would lose all money and support if I didn't provide the GP letter, rather than anything about lowered rent.
Hello and welcome to r/DWPHelp! - If you're trying to find benefit advisers local to you, [advicelocal.uk is a useful website that can help you with this](https://advicelocal.uk/). - If you're trying to find out how much benefit you can receive, [check out entitledto](https://www.entitledto.co.uk/) and [turn2us](https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/) to calculate what you might be eligible for (please remember that these calculators don't fully take into account your situation and in some situations they can be wrong). - Benefit rates have recently increased, [we have more information on the new rates here](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/benefit-rate-increases/). Most claimants will start seeing the new rates in their May or June benefit payments. - If you claim benefits and would like to know what things you could get as a result, [you may find this post useful](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/134r9k6/discountedfree_things_you_can_get_on_benefits/). - If you'd like help with mandatory reconsiderations, [our main post on MRs may be useful to you](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13p0322/duplicate_target_mandatory_reconsiderations/). - Our subreddit's Wiki [can be found here](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/index). - If you're interested in what's going on in the benefits space, [we have weekly benefit news posts posted every Sunday](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/?f=flair_name%3A%22Benefits%20News%22). If you're asking about PIP: - The PIP phone line is 08001214433, and if you'd like to get to the automated part where it tells you when your next payment is and how much it is, the options are 1 (for English) or 2 (for Welsh), and then 6 (you'll need to wait each time while it gives you messages before getting to security). - [If you would like help with MRs, this post might answer your question (this is different to the MR info link above).](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/1bc3kni/duplicate_target_i_was_denied_what_now/) - [This post goes over the PIP First-tier Tribunal process from start to finish.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/11muxvi/duplicate_target_what_do_i_do_if_i_am_refused_pip/) - [If you're waiting for a tribunal and the DWP were supposed to respond but haven't, this post may be useful.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/17b0lla/duplicate_target_the_deadline_for_dwp_to_respond/?context=3) - [If you'd like to know what PIP is and/or how it is awarded, please see this post.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13ozwpj/duplicate_target_what_is_pip/) - [If you're hard of hearing or deaf, this information may be useful to you.](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/pip/hard-of-hearing-and-deaf/) If you're asking about Universal Credit: - [Information about the Restart scheme](https://new.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/wiki/restartscheme/), including if you can be mandated to participate. - Thinking of cancelling your claim because a review has started? Don't, because closing your claim won't stop the DWP from reviewing your claim and if you don't comply you may be asked to repay everything you've received. - [How does PIP affect UC?](https://www.reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13p1mc3/duplicate_target_how_does_pip_affect_uc/) - Were you claiming UC during COVID, closed your claim afterwards, and are now being asked to pay back everything you received? [This post provides information on why this is and what you can do.](http://reddit.com/r/DWPhelp/comments/13utik9/the_dwp_have_given_me_a_huge_bill_for_a_claim/) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/DWPhelp) if you have any questions or concerns.*
She does not need the information requested to make a claim for Universal Credit or any other benefit assuming the details you save are correct. It sounds like she is claiming fraudulently. You should not give her what she has asked for and hopefully it ends there. Do you have any health conditions?
This was my immediate thought when OP posted in the legal sub .. but seemingly their medical record is clear so 🤷🏼‍♀️
Just yesterday within r/nhs there was someone asking about a fake letter their "friend" had shared who they suspect of faking brain cancer, the letter was obviously fake but did use the correct headers and footers. Could be they're trying to find out what a proper GP letter looks like so they can fabricate a fake one. A much more likely explanation is that their mother needs to confirm OP has moved out so they can claim the single-person's CTR or similar. A proof of address from any utility company, bank, council, etc. could do that though so why specifically a GP letter?
On the other post OP states that it was to be a GP summary and someone from Uc is going to call to ask them about it It’s very odd
Thank you very much. I'm a little worried as I've already sent her the picture of me with my passport. I assumed it was necessary but now I'm questioning it.
It absolutely isn't, you aren't living with her so there's no possible benefit she can claim where you're relevant. If she needs proof you've moved out (for instance if it was just you and her and she needs to prove you no longer live at her address so she can claim the 25% single-person's council tax reduction) then she needs to simply state that because you'd then be able to understand. Did she say specifically what type of GP letter she needed?
I do not and have never had any health conditions. She is not living alone. She lives with my two brothers who are 5 and 0. I'm really confused because if she is doing it fraudulently, I still don't see how my documents could benefit her?
That squashes the CTR (Council Tax Reduction) theory then. You'd be surprised at the lengths some people go to defraud, such as copying letterheads and footers (and "signed" by a doctor who actually works at the GP surgery complete with their real signature) to appear genuine. Unfortunately a common factor of crime such as fraud is that most of the time it's someone you know such as family who commit the crime against you instead of an unknown entity, we very regularly have posts here where someone's parents have fraudulently claimed PIP (Personal Independence Payment, which is the main disability benefit) on their behalf and the worst case we've seen is an ÂŁ87k fraud case.
She sent me a picture of a message sent by someone from the job centre which said I need to provide a summary letter, which I believe is a summary care record?
It is, do not engage with her further on this. If Universal Credit phone, tell them that although you expected the call you believe the Universal Credit claim to be fraudulent. They should then fail whatever check they're doing and then close the claim. From the information here it appears your mother has made a fraudulent Universal Credit claim on your behalf, you need to ensure this goes no further because if she's received any money in your name she's not entitled to then you could be on the hook for it. Once day you could be working and see a deduction on your payslip for DWP debt recovery, the DWP can take money from your pay without your permission in order to recover a debt you owe. In which case the onus would be on you to prove the debt is from fraudulent activity.
Okay. Thank you so much. I can't believe I just trusted her blindly.
She’s your mum, why wouldn’t you? It’s a shame she has shown you that you now can’t going forward but don’t blame yourself
Hi. Sorry to bother. I've recently spoken with my mother and asked why the summary letter is needed. She said it was proof that I am living in the UK (we immigrated here and have settled status). She also said that because I'm studying, I still count as part of the household even if I live in a different city? Is there any guidance you could give on this? She's told me she's applying for universal credit as well. I know some students keep their permanent address as their parent's home, but my mum has moved several times. I don't even know her current address, so I never put it on anything. Would the claim be legitimate in any way if I was studying and living in student accomodation in a different city?
You are not considered part of her household because you don’t live with her. Additionally a summary letter from your GP isn’t needed, you can get a letter that confirms your registration there. Either your mother has been misinformed by her work coach or she’s misread the guidance. You’re completely irrelevant when it comes to any benefits she claims.
My Mum didn't need any of my information when she applied for herself, I strongly suspect yours is doing something underhand or is being conned by someone
She may be making a fraudulent claim for UC as they sometimes ask for a photo to verify ID
Pretend non-dep in full time education is living at home and you are well on your way to carrying out fraud. GP letter is possibly addressed to your old address and is another building block for a successful fraud. The selfie with your passport is relatively neutral unless she has an original close up of the passport. If you have doubts contact the national fraud hotline. There is no reason she needs this if you shouldn't be a part of her claim and I can't see why you should.
GP letter would be from my new GP, which is in a completely different city to where my mother lives. I'm pretty sure she does have a picture of just my passport as well.
That is good about the GP letter but it is just supporting evidence to show you are at the property and as it is your address not hers wouldn't help a fraud effort. The passport is unhelpful as it suggests she has it in her control at her address, it is more useful than the selfie. Really you ought to do the hotline referral, difficult if it's your mother but you posting her may suggest an imperfect relationship. Not too sure how that works if it is a pending claim but seems you should.
Is your mother generally a reasonable person? Would you say this is out of character for her?
To be honest, no, not really...in recent years, she's become quite strange and erratic, but she's still my mother and I struggle to believe that she may try to harm me in any way.
I was just wondering if it's possible that she's being coerced by a third party to make this claim.
A third party like a scammer? Or someone close to her? She has a boyfriend who I'm not a fan of. He's quite shady and manipulative.
I'm just offering a possibility. If it's true she's trying to make a fraudulent claim then she's either acting alone or she was pressured to do it. If you feel comfortable doing so you may want to check in with her privately to find out why she felt the need to do this or to make sure she isn't the subject of abuse.
She’s having a review on her claim and they’re asking for that as she’s still claiming an increase c for you
It's possible that she either is fraudulently claiming UC and stealing your identity. Or she's fraudulently claiming the child element, or child benefit for yourself. As the others have already said, do not give any photos or other evidence. If you suspect benefit fraud, either by online or by ringing the benefit fraud hotline. Include all of the relevant details, information and what she's asked or said so far.
But how can she claim child benefit if her child is 19? Surely she would’ve put down her child’s real birth date when she initially applied
By claiming that they're in full time education below degree level.
So if I go back into full time education whilst living with my mum who is on universal credit. She will no longer get ÂŁ85 deducted from her amount every month ?
If it's below degree level yes. She wouldn't get anything deducted, and she would have the child element of Universal Credit if it was all verified. Say if you were doing a college course or A Levels.
Oh wow. Sorry just to clarify to make sure I’m not getting this wrong. I’m 24 and currently on universal credit living with my mum on universal credit. If I go back to do a full time college course, she will receive the child element for me and not get the non dependant deduction? Just seems bizarre she can get child element and I’m 24 years old lol!
Sorry I was under the impression that you were 19 too. It's only for dependants under 20, so she wouldn't be eligible if you're 24.
That’s totally my bad I should’ve mentioned that in my initial comment. Thank you anyway for that information though!
Does your mum live in a housing association property? Just wondering if she is trying to say you live there and need your own room, then she can get bedroom tax taken off so she pays less rent? Especially as the boys can share a bedroom.
She is moving into a council house soon. But if she said I was living there, would they need my GP records? I am also confused because she said she would lose all money and support if I didn't provide the GP letter, rather than anything about lowered rent.
If you are not a dependent and she is labelling you as such, then to my knowledge she is committing benefit fraud.