Query on Pension Credit for my mother

BensonBooga

My mother, whose in her mid 80s, has been on Pension Credit since 2023. When she originally signed up she had 3 bank accounts, all 3 were declared, since then she has 2 and has moved the money from the one she closed in to a bond.

She has just received notification via a letter that she is going to get a check done to make sure what they have on file is correct. Given the closing of 1 bank account and moving that money to a bond, how does my mum prove the bank account closed and is not just not being mentioned ? I don't want them to think she is just not showing/mentioning the info from the 3rd bank account as they obviously know it existed as it was declared on sigh up. Will they ask for the last month statement before it closed ? I am not sure if she can still access the closed account.

Also, do they need proof sent in of the bond ? What info do they need for bonds ? Do they need statements of some kind ? I have no idea what info a bond shows or what can be printed off.

Also, to help with my mums electricity and gas costs I sometimes pay her around £300 every so often (no more than every 3 months) for help with her electric bills via PayPal, which she pays in to her bank account, will they scrutinise that ? If done via letter should she mention what that payment is for, as it will show on her statement if they ask for it (depending on how many months statements they need) ?

Finally, do they usually phone or post for their regular checks ? It said on the form that it could be either. Given my mums age I try and organise things for her, so just want to make sure I have all the info they will need in advance.

TimeLord1

​The DWP already knows the third account existed because your mother declared it. To "close the loop" and prove it isn't being hidden, you can:

​Request a "Closing Statement": Even if the account is closed, banks are usually required to keep records for several years. You can often request a final statement or a "letter of closure" from the bank.

Show the "Paper Trail": The DWP is looking for the movement of money. If she has the final statement from the closed account showing the balance being transferred to the new bond, that is "gold standard" proof.

If they ask about the PayPal transfers, simply state they are "Ad-hoc cash gifts from my son to help with the rising cost of energy." * Tip: Keep a note of the specific bills you helped pay. If the DWP sees £300 going in and then £300 going to E.ON or British Gas shortly after, it’s very clear it’s a gift for expenses, not a hidden wage.

They may just schedule a phone call to check

They specifically look for the start date, the amount invested, and whether it is an "Income Bond" (where interest is paid out) or a "Growth Bond" (where interest stays inside).

​Accessibility: If it's an online-only bond, you can usually download a "Statement of Value" or a PDF summary from the provider’s portal.

You can act as her "helper" or "appointee" during the call. If she is nervous, she can give them permission at the start of the call to speak with you directly. Tell her not to worry.