Tackling benefit fraud
If you suspect or know of
someone who is deliberately cheating on Housing or Council Tax
Benefit, report it to us:
> do it online using the
benefit fraud reporting form
> or ring the free hotline on 08000 56 56 03
All information is treated in the strictest confidence. You
can choose not to give your contact details if you prefer, but
please bear in mind that it helps us if you do, because the
investigation service can get back to you with any questions.
What is benefit fraud? Benefit theft is when
someone lies to get benefit. This includes people who are:
· not letting us know that they are now living with a
partner
· not saying that they are receiving other benefits
· not reporting any savings or not reporting the right amount
· claiming for children who have left home
· not reporting they have started work, or started to earn
money
· not reporting they have inherited money
· not reporting they are going abroad, living abroad, or have
changed address
What information to provide
The law says that there has to be a good reason for
investigating someone for benefit theft - so you will need to give
as much of the following information as possible:
· the name and address of the person you are reporting and their
partner, if they have one · a description of the person · the type
of benefit theft you think they are committing and why
you suspect them · information about their employer, if you think
they are working
· information about their vehicle, if they have one
What happens after you report someone?
· Benefit theft staff will look at the information you give. If
you have given enough information, they will check the person's
benefit claim.
· The investigation might take some time, and staff aren't
allowed to tell you the outcome.
· Sometimes no action is taken. It might be that the person has
declared the work when claiming and their benefit is not affected
by it.
· Benefit theft staff will only take action if they find
the person has been committing benefit theft. Action can include
removing a person's benefits and taking them to court.
Related information
>
DirectGov: benefit theft
> DWP: tackling
benefit fraud
>
Benefits and payments enquiry form