The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has listed 12 organisations that can access benefit claimants' personal information. The Government body may share information with - and receive it from - a variety of sources, including councils and some service providers.
Why the DWP shares personal data
Its Personal Information Charter says: "The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) processes lots of personal data, much of it sensitive. We take data protection very seriously and understand how important it is that you can trust us with your information. The charter explains whose personal information we process, how we use it, why and what for."
The DWP says there are a number of reasons for doing so, including the need to check accuracy of information; assist people with particular difficulties, such as troubled families, and to help people obtain - or stay in - work, reports BirminghamLive.
Other reasons for sharing information
Other instances for information sharing can include matters of child maintenance; helping people access education and training to improve their chances of obtaining work, and supporting people with independent living, including home help and respite care.
The DWP says it can also apply to preventing or detecting crime; checking eligibility for services, discounts and concessions - such as reduced utility bills and free TV licences - as well as improving the energy efficiency of people's homes and helping those in fuel or water poverty.
The 12 organisations listed
Other cases can be to do with protecting public funds; using information for research or statistical purposes and the protection of people in an emergency. The DWP says some social security services are also delivered under devolution agreements, such as concerning Northern Ireland or the Scottish Government, and some local authorities.
It says: "DWP shares information when necessary for these services, as permitted by law. We will only ever give information about you to someone outside DWP if the law allows us to."
DWP may share information with the following: other Government departments; local authorities; social security organisations in other countries; employers and potential employers; social landlords; utility companies, such as energy suppliers and water companies; providers of communications services such as telephone companies and internet service providers; TV Licensing; financial institutions, such as banks and other organisations that may lend you money, and credit reference agencies; charitable and welfare organisations; the emergency services; and academic institutions.
