Crime Solicitors

A new benefits pilot scheme in six areas across the country will tackle benefit fraud and benefit overpayments.

The six-week pilot scheme will use adverts, posters, letters and social media posts to warn benefit claimants about what will happen if they are caught defrauding the benefits system. The adverts being used will warn benefits claimants they could face a fine of up to £2,000 if they do not disclose a new job or moving in with a partner.

Under their benefit conditions, claimants must inform the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of any change in their circumstances. Claimants who fail to do so could face prosecution, or lose their benefits. They also have to repay any overpayments in benefit to the DWP.

Currently the benefits system overpays claimants by £1.6 billion every year, with intention fraud costing £1.2bn in the last year. The overpayment level has remained stable for the last five years, losing the DWP billions of pounds.

The scheme is being trialled in Hounslow and Southwark in London, Blackburn and Darwen in Lancashire, Blackpool, Cardiff and Epping Forest. The pilot areas have varying degrees of benefit fraud, as well as errors in benefit payments.

Blackburn’s Labour MP Jack Straw has come out in support of the pilot scheme:

“This is a sensible move,” said Mr Straw. “Benefits are aimed at those who need them and people should not rip off the taxpayer.

“This should help genuine claimants make sure they are getting the right benefit payments.”

As part of the pilot schemes, local residents are being asked to report any suspicions they have about benefit fraud occurring to the DWP.

The Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud said the DWP was “keen” to let claimants know that even small overpayments “can add up over time”.

“..They must get in contact with us and let us know about changes in circumstances straight away,” he said.

“The new pilot campaign will help us stop fraud and overpayments before they even happen.”

Darwen Conservative MP Jake Berry said:

“Many constituents come to see me because they have got into a mess with their benefit payments. This is a good opportunity to help them avoid running up large arrears and facing penalties because of it.”

The DWP website enables claimants to register any change in circumstances online – or anyone can report suspicions they have about benefit fraud occurring in their neighbourhood at the DWP website.

Duncan Lewis Benefit Fraud Solicitors

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise claimants on issues relating to charges of benefit fraud.

Duncan Lewis is also one of the UK’s leading Legal Aid firms and those in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or other benefits are usually entitled to Legal Aid.

The sort of circumstances which might constitute charges of benefit fraud include:

• Making a claim for out-of-work benefits such as JSA, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction when you know you are not entitled to the benefit
• Starting work and not declaring this or your full income while claiming benefits
• Claiming from an address you do not live at – or from several addresses using different identities
• Withholding information about financial or property assets, such as a house you own abroad or a bank account with funds in it
• Claiming Disability Allowance or falsely claiming for dependants
• Making a claim as a single person while you are living with a partner.

Duncan Lewis benefit fraud solicitors can advise at any stage of a benefit fraud charge.

For expert legal advice on benefit fraud contact Duncan Lewis solicitors on 020 7923 4020.