Guides › Public Services › Letter About Benefit Fraud or an Interview Under Caution: What to Do
Letter About Benefit Fraud or An Interview Under Caution: What to Do
A letter asking you to confirm facts does not always mean you are suspected of fraud: DWP often checks you are getting the right amount. Answer accurately and give proof. An invitation to an interview under caution means you might be suspected of fraud: do not ignore it, and get advice, ideally from a solicitor, before the interview.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
If DWP Is Checking Your Claim
Checks
Your benefit stopping, or being asked to confirm who you live with, your hours, your health or other changes, does not always mean you are being investigated for fraud. Often it is to check you are getting the right amount. source
What to Do
Answer questions as accurately as you can and give proof, such as a doctor's letter or a bill. On Universal Credit, message your journal if you cannot find documents and ask for more time. Ask an adviser about a hardship payment if your money has stopped. source
Interview Under Caution
This means you might be suspected of fraud. Do not ignore the letter. Try to get a solicitor to support you; Citizens Advice can help you find one. If you are asked to choose between paying a fine or being prosecuted, get advice first. Any overpayment can be challenged separately. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Before the dateGet adviceBefore any interview under caution
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Read the letter carefully and note any deadline.
Step 2 of 5
Gather proof of your circumstances.
Step 3 of 5
Reply accurately; ask for more time if needed.
Step 4 of 5
For an interview under caution, contact a solicitor.
Step 5 of 5
Challenge any overpayment decision separately.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
A Solicitor
Get legal advice before an interview under caution.
Citizens Advice
Free, independent help with benefits, including challenges and appeals.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Do not guess answers: say if you are not sure and offer to check.
Rules here are for England and Wales. Scotland has its own disability and carer benefits from Social Security Scotland, and Northern Ireland benefits are run through nidirect.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/you-think-youre-being-accused-of-benefit-fraud Checked 16 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/if-youve-been-invited-to-an-interview-under-caution-for-benefit-fraud Checked 16 October 2026