Inspectors check that claims are right: who lives in the house, whether someone is working, whether circumstances have changed. A visit is not an accusation. They work under the Department's own code of practice, and knowing it makes the visit far less stressful.
Quick facts
- Can they come into your home?
- Only with your permission
- Must they show ID?
- Yes, their certificate
- Must they say why they are there?
- Yes
- Who decides your claim?
- A deciding officer, not the inspector
- Evidence against you
- Must be shown to you first
- Their report
- You may be entitled to see it
Can an inspector come into my home?
Not without your permission. The Department's own guidelines say: "Inspectors do not have the power to enter private residences and only do so with the consent of the person they are visiting."
If you do let them in, the same applies to other rooms: "Inspectors, while in a customer's home, can, in certain circumstances, request permission to seek entry to other rooms." Request is the word. And anyone else in the room is there with your agreement: "When interviewing in a customer's home the Inspector should ensure that all those present during the interview are present with the customer's consent."
What they must do
Show their ID: "Inspectors carry certificates of authorisation which they are required to show to the owners of premises, employers and others when they call to a premises for the purpose of an inspection or when they visit claimants at their homes." Ask to see it before you say anything.
Tell you why: "The purpose and intent of the Inspector's interview or visit should be made clear at all times."
Stick to your claim: "Personal questions outside of this, to which a customer might reasonably take exception, should not be asked."
Explain anything you sign: "Customers should be clearly advised of the purpose of documents they are asked to sign such as declarations on claim forms, authorisations for banks and so on." Do not sign anything you do not understand. Ask for a copy.
What you have to do
Give them what the claim needs: "In this regard claimants and employers are required to furnish the inspector with any information or documentation deemed relevant to the claim." That usually means things like bank statements, payslips, a lease or proof of who lives with you. If you do not have something to hand, say so and agree a date to send it.
What happens after the visit
The inspector writes a report, and a deciding officer makes the decision. Before that, you must get the chance to answer anything against you: "All evidence which comes to light which would affect a customer's entitlement must be put before the customer so that she or he can rebut or explain it as the case may be."
You can ask to see what was written: "Customers (or their legal representatives) may be entitled to see reports which are written about them."
If the decision goes against you, or you are told you were overpaid, you can appeal. See how to appeal a social welfare decision. Citizens Information and MABS give free help.
Common questions
Do I have to let a social welfare inspector into my house?
No. Inspectors have no power to enter your home without your permission. You can speak to them at the door.
Can they look in other rooms?
Only if you agree. The code of practice says they can ask permission, not that they can insist.
Does the inspector decide whether my payment stops?
No. A deciding officer decides, and any evidence against you must be put to you first so you can explain it.
Can I see the inspector's report?
You may be entitled to see reports written about you. Ask the office that pays you.