The Department for Work and Pensions will roll out bank account checks on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and ESA after a consultation ending February 27, 2026.
James Rodger Content Editor
20:15, 31 Jan 2026
The DWP will roll out bank account checks after a consultation ending February 27(Image: Xavier Lorenzo via Getty Images)
The Department for Work and Pensions is set to introduce bank account monitoring on three benefits following February 27. The controversial new eligibility and verification measures, which have provoked considerable backlash, have received approval and will be incorporated into legislation.
The DWP will revise its Code of Practice and implement the new measures – described by detractors as “draconian” and by some as “dystopian” – across its workforce.
The bank account monitoring, designed to tackle fraud and welfare mistakes, will target the three benefits with the most significant rates of fraud or error. These comprise Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (or ESA).
The measures will be introduced following the conclusion of a public consultation on the new regulations, which closes on February 27, 2026.
As the consultation was launched, DWP minister Andrew Western stated: “The powers granted through the Act will allow the Department to better identify, prevent and deter social security fraud and error and enable the better recovery of debt owed to the taxpayer”, reports Birmingham Live.
“The launch of today’s consultations is another step towards delivering the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates that this government will not tolerate fraud or waste in public services.
“This Government is committed to full and thorough consultations to allow input from a broad range of perspectives which will help to inform the final versions of the Codes.”
The consultations commenced on Monday 8 December 2025, and will continue through to Friday 27 February 2026.
These consultations are accessible via gov.uk. The Codes will be formally laid once the consultation period, official response and finalised versions are completed, Mr Western informed the Commons.
The government will supply banks with a series of ‘eligibility indicators’ to facilitate the bank account reviews. For instance, if a person holds savings exceeding £16,000 whilst claiming UC.
Or, if someone appears to be overseas for longer than four weeks despite being in receipt of Pension Credit. The DWP has confirmed it will collaborate with the 15 largest banks operating in the UK.
Whilst the bank account reviews are initially focused on three benefits, the legislation permits the potential inclusion of further benefits down the line.
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