The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has successfully blocked more than £1 billion in incorrect Universal Credit payments, part of a widened effort to protect claimants from debt and safeguard taxpayer funds.
This achievement follows a substantial expansion in the DWP’s Targeted Case Review initiative, designed to prevent both overpayments and underpayments in benefit claims.
Since ramping up operations in July 2024, the DWP has reviewed over one million benefit cases, supported by a nearly doubled workforce now reaching 6,000 staff.
These efforts aim to catch historic errors, prevent future mistakes, and ensure claimants receive the correct entitlement.
Progress and Projections at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Targeted Case Review Launch | 2022 |
| Initial Reviews (first year) | ~ 25,000 claims |
| Headcount by Feb 2025 | ~ 6,000 staff |
| Reviewed Cases (by mid-2025) | Over 1 million claims |
| Incorrect Payments Blocked | Over £1 billion |
| Projected Savings by 2030 | £13.6 billion |
Purpose and Impact of Targeted Reviews
The Targeted Case Review team works actively to:
- Prevent claimants from accruing debt by catching overpayments early.
- Identify unreported changes in a claimant’s circumstances.
- Correct mistakes retrospectively, ensuring accurate benefit payments.
- Flag potential fraud cases for investigation.
This refined process helps maintain a fair benefits system—claimants aren’t penalized by error, and safeguards ensure those underpaid get what they deserve.
Staff Boost Fuels Results
The staffing increase—adding thousands to reach a total of 6,000 review personnel—has been critical.
With this capacity, the DWP has fast-tracked claim reviews, contributing directly to the £1 billion in blocked payments. Looking ahead, maintaining workforce levels is expected to yield £13.6 billion in total savings by 2030.
Continuing the Journey
The government has pledged to continue Targeted Case Reviews for an additional two years, extending through to 2029/30.
Meanwhile, the recently introduced Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill aims to further strengthen the system against fraud and error.
These measures are integral to the broader “Plan for Change,” which focuses on efficiency and reducing dependency on benefits.
As of 23 August 2025, the DWP’s Targeted Case Review initiative has successfully blocked over £1 billion in incorrect Universal Credit payments, offering a crucial line of defense against financial hardship for claimants and protecting public finances.
Fueled by a major expansion in staffing, the impact is clear—and with projected savings nearing £13.6 billion by 2030, the drive for a fair, efficient, and accountable benefits system is well underway.
FAQs
What is the Targeted Case Review?
It’s a DWP initiative launched in 2022 to detect and correct wrong Universal Credit payments, preventing debt and ensuring fair entitlements.
How many benefits claims have been reviewed?
Over one million claims have been assessed by mid-2025, following a major staffing increase to 6,000 reviewers.
What are the long-term savings expected?
The DWP projects £13.6 billion in cumulative savings by 2030, achieved by preventing incorrect payments and reducing system inefficiencies.