Benefit Fraud Solicitors

What is Benefit Fraud?

If you deliberately claim benefits you’re not entitled to, such as giving false information or failing to report changes to your circumstances, this is benefit fraud.

What are the Types of Benefit Fraud?

There are many different scenarios that come under benefit fraud, some examples include:

They fail to declare they live with a partner and instead claim they’re single.
They move to a different property but don’t report their new address.
They’re working when they haven’t declared that this is the case.
They falsely claim unfitness for work in order to receive benefits.
They don’t declare their income, capital or property.

What are the Penalties for Benefit Fraud?

Following a fraud benefit investigation, one or more of these may happen:

Your benefits could be reduced or stopped for up to three years. However, only certain benefits can be stopped or reduced (these are known as sanctionable benefits). If you commit fraud on a benefit that can’t be stopped or reduced, your other benefits can be reduced.
You’ll be instructed to pay back any money that was overpaid.
You may be taken to court, which could result in a punishment such as imprisonment, fines, or a community order.
You might be asked to pay a penalty (between £350 and £5,000).

Will Benefits Stop During an Investigation?

They may be stopped during an investigation, and you’ll get a letter notifying you about this if it happens. If you’re found not guilty, you should be able to claim back the benefits that were stopped during the investigation.

If you have received a letter offering a voluntary interview then contact our defence team immediately so that we can advise you and be by your side during interview.

Legal Aid is available for this and we can discuss all options with you.

It is important that you have a solicitor with you as these interviews can be complex, time consuming and may have an immediate impact on you, for example suspension of benefits.

Benefit Fraud Investigations

FAQs

Benefit Fraud Proceedings

If you have received a summons from the Department of Work & Pensions to attend the Magistrates’ Court you should seek legal advice quickly as there can be a large about of evidence to go through.

Our expert solicitors will be able to go through the evidence with you and provide guidance about the strengths and weaknesses of the case being put forward and advise you of legal defences that may be open to you.

We will also be able to represent you in the Magistrates’ Court and/or Crown Court and you will receive constant assistance throughout the course of the case.

Flexibility We are available for appointments at your home, at hospital or another location that’s convenient for you.

Dedicated You will have direct access to a Legal Advisor throughout your matter.

Established We have over 150 years experience in providing specialist legal advice representing individuals.

Costs We are clear on costs 100% of the time from the outset.