Legal News
Woman Claims £10,000 in Benefits While Working (7 September 2011)
Date: 07/09/2011
A woman has fraudulently claimed in excess of £10,000 in benefits after failing to disclose that she was in active employment. The 49-year-old admitted that she had failed to report her change in circumstance. She received an eight-week jail sentence, suspended for one year, and is required to undertake 120 hours of unpaid community service. She will also have to pay £500 in court costs.
The benefit fraud case was brought to the attention of High Peak Borough Council after an investigation into the woman’s claim. The woman was contacted concerning her ongoing claim but did not provide the requested information. Investigators obtained the woman’s bank statements and found that they revealed periods of employment for several employers. The woman failed to attend interviews with the case investigators. As a result of the her failure to report periods of employment, £9,108.23 of Housing Benefit and £1,521.97 of Council Tax Benefit was overpaid to her.
Tim Norton, the Executive Councillor for Corporate Services, states that the case proves that the council will take action to deal with benefit fraud. Mr Norton urges anyone who suspects people to be receiving benefits to which they are not entitled to contact their local council.
Duncan Lewis’ team of welfare benefits solicitors are able to assist you if you struggle to navigate the welfare system. The team are able to assess your eligibility for benefits and can provide expert advocacy and representation during social security tribunals and appeals. They also represent clients who wish to take their cases to the Social Security Commissioners and higher appeal courts.