Keeping the gateway secure by thorough checking of evidence on new claims
This section includes good practice on:
Sound checking procedures help to ensure that new claims are processed quickly, efficiently and securely.
Checking of evidence
Good practice includes:
- ensuring a person making a claim or notifying a change of circumstance provides all the certificates, documents information and other evidence in its original form to support the claim as a local authority (LA) may reasonably require
- ensuring all employees responsible for receiving and verifying documents are trained on the latest evidence requirements including identifying false documents and following up discrepancies, and apply these in order to comply with the relevant legislation
- using ultraviolet scanners to verify the validity of documents
- ensuring photocopies of original documents are stamped and certified as such
- informing any staff who are responsible for the receipt of claims of any risks likely to affect verification of claims, such as known identity frauds
- recording the reasons why evidence below the standards specified in the HB/CTB Guidance Manual has been accepted in exceptional circumstances
- providing an aide-memoire for benefit assessors to complete and maintain a checklist that confirms the officer who verified the claim and details of:
- identity
- residency and liability to pay
- receipt of Income Support/Income-based Job Seekers Allowance IS/JSA(IB) or Pension Credit
- income and savings
- any other relevant information
- maintaining a clear audit trail when using the Secretary of State's assurance that Section 1(1A) and 1(1B) of the Social Security Administration Act (SSAA) 1992 has been satisfied for Pension Credit applications or claims made to Jobcentre Plus. It should include, as appropriate, at least one of the following notifications:
- the Local Authority Input Document (LAID) from Jobcentre Plus
- Assessed Income Figure (AIF) from the Pension, Disability and Carers Service (PDCS)
- Electronic Transfer of Data (ETD) notification of a Pension Credit award
- clerical notification relating to Pension Credit from PDCS
- maintaining regular liaison with the Local Authority Support Team (LAST) to ensure that the Customer Information System (CIS) is being used effectively and securely
- monitoring CIS usage to maximise effective use and improve efficiency.
- checking with Jobcentre Plus and PDCS that they are aware of any non-dependants when the customer is in receipt of IS/JSA(IB)
- arranging for revenues and benefits staff to spend a day shadowing the LA's counter-fraud investigation team.
