Guidance

Code of Practice on Eligibility Verification Notices

This Code provides guidance to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), financial institutions and other relevant parties on the use of Eligibility Verification Notices (EVNs). It explains how EVNs are issued and how they allow DWP to request information from financial institutions.

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 14 May 2026

Documents

Code of Practice on Eligibility Verification Notices

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6452-3

HTML

Code of Practice on Eligibility Verification Notices

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6452-3

PDF, 1.3 MB, 38 pages

Code of Practice on Eligibility Verification Notices (large print)

PDF, 351 KB, 80 pages

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Details

This Code of Practice has been developed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

This Code sets out how the powers in Schedule 3B are intended to be used in practice and provides general guidance on the use of EVNs.

If you are unsure about how the law applies to you, or about your obligations or responsibilities, you should seek independent legal advice. 

The purpose of this Code is to: 

• explain how Eligibility Verification Notices operate
• provide guidance on the roles and responsibilities of those involved
• support consistent, lawful and proportionate use of the Eligibility Verification Measure

This Code was presented to Parliament pursuant to Part 5 of Schedule 3B to the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

Published 14 May 2026