The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has prevented more than £1 billion in incorrect Universal Credit payments in a campaign to prevent people from falling into financial hardship. The landmark figure was achieved after the UK government accelerated a scheme to scrutinise payments when it assumed power last summer, with over one million cases now examined.

Overpayments can eventually result in financial hardship for benefit claimants by causing them to accumulate debt. The 'Targeted Case Review' was launched in 2022 to identify incorrect payments, with approximately 25,000 claims scrutinised in the inaugural year.

Since July 2024, DWP has almost doubled the number of personnel working in its Universal Credit Targeted Case Review team to 6,000. Around 7.5 million Brits receive

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