New powers are coming into force with the DWP to check the bank account details of millions of benefit claimants. Under new eligibility checks, banks will be mandated to hand over certain data about accounts linked to specific benefits, including Universal Credit . The fresh powers are part of a new suite of powers to clamp down and fraud and error in the benefits system, with new laws added to the books in December 2025. Included in the legislation is a new eligibility verification measure,