Guidance

Fraud and error in the benefit system: publication strategy

Updated 16 May 2024

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Introduction

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) publishes National Statistics about the levels of fraud and error in the DWP benefit system. They estimate the amount of money overpaid and underpaid to claimants and are an important metric that is included in the department’s annual report and accounts and audited by the National Audit Office. Management Information, data and analysis is regularly provided to officials within the department, allowing trends to be identified promptly and issues addressed, ensuring a continued focus on the issue of fraud and error.

This document explains how we plan to release these statistics in future, and how further welfare reforms will be included.

Future reporting

For FYE 2025, we are measuring the following benefits for fraud and error:

  • Universal Credit
  • Housing Benefit (pension age, passported cases)
  • Pension Credit
  • State Pension
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Carer’s Allowance

We intend to publish our FYE 2025 estimates in May 2025.

For more information about the information within this document, please email us: enquiries.fema@dwp.gov.uk

The National Statistics can be found in the collection of Fraud and Error in the Benefit System.

ISBN: 978-1-78659-671-0