The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can share benefit claimants' personal information with 13 types of organisations, including banks, credit reference agencies, energy suppliers and TV Licensing, under strict legal restrictions.
The department's official Personal Information Charter sets out how it collects, uses and shares information about people who claim benefits, receive the State Pension or use other DWP services. The guidance on GOV.UK also covers information about other people living in a claimant's household, where their circumstances are relevant to an award.
Organisations DWP can share information with
According to the charter, DWP may share information with, or receive information from:
- Other government departments
- Local authorities
- Social security organisations in other countries
- Employers and potential employers
- Social landlords
- Utility companies, including energy and water suppliers
- Telephone companies and internet service providers
- TV Licensing
- Banks, other financial institutions and credit reference agencies
- Charitable and welfare organisations
- Emergency services
- Academic institutions
The department stresses that sharing information is subject to legal restrictions and that personal details can only be provided to another organisation where the law permits it. It is important to be aware that the inclusion of an organisation on the list does not mean every claimant's information is routinely shared with it.
Why does DWP share personal information?
The charter identifies several circumstances in which information sharing may be necessary. These include checking the accuracy of details supplied to DWP, preventing or detecting crime, protecting public funds and establishing eligibility for particular services.
Information can also be used to check whether someone qualifies for discounts or concessions, including reduced utility bills and free TV licences. Other purposes include improving energy efficiency, supporting households experiencing fuel or water poverty, helping people find employment and arranging support for independent living.
DWP also shares information with other government departments, particularly HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Ministry of Justice, to help prevent and detect fraud. The department confirms that it can use personal information for research and statistical purposes.
What information does DWP hold?
The amount and type of information held depends on a person's dealings with the department. Records can include personal details, financial circumstances, employment history, household information and information about education or training.
DWP may also process sensitive information, including medical details, disability-related information and information about alleged offences or criminal proceedings. The charter confirms that information may be held about relatives, guardians, other household members and people whose bank accounts receive DWP payments. Basic information, including names, addresses and dates of birth, is also held about people allocated a National Insurance number.
What happens in Scotland?
DWP continues to administer benefits including Universal Credit and the State Pension in Scotland, while Social Security Scotland is responsible for devolved benefits including Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment and Carer Support Payment.
The charter confirms that DWP can share information with Scottish ministers where permitted by legislation to support devolved social security services. It also states that DWP may sometimes process information on behalf of Scottish ministers, with letters and notifications explaining when this arrangement applies.
Can you find out what information DWP holds about you?
People have the right to request a copy of their personal information from DWP, and the department confirms that this service is free. Requests can be made using the official DWP personal information request guidance.
People can also ask for inaccurate personal information to be corrected and may have additional rights to restrict or object to certain uses of their information, depending on the circumstances. Anyone concerned about how their personal data is being handled can contact DWP's Data Protection Officer at data.protectionofficer@dwp.gov.uk.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) can also consider complaints about personal information, although it recommends raising concerns with DWP first. DWP also confirmed that it does not sell people's personal information and will not make it available for commercial marketing without permission. The Personal Information Charter can be viewed on GOV.UK.
