Means Tested Benefits & Financial Checks

BigAunty

I've known many friends and relatives fraudulently claim benefits and not one has been caught.

One worked cash in hand on benefits and sublet his housing association property. Another worked cash in hand while on JSA, HB and receiving council tax discount. Lots of my friends studying at Uni pretended they were unemployed for years and claimed JSA and housing benefit.

I assume from this that detection rates are very low.

Oldernotwiser

BigAunty wrote: »

I've known many friends and relatives fraudulently claim benefits and not one has been caught.

One worked cash in hand on benefits and sublet his housing association property. Another worked cash in hand while on JSA, HB and receiving council tax discount. Lots of my friends studying at Uni pretended they were unemployed for years and claimed JSA and housing benefit.

I assume from this that detection rates are very low.

There'a at least one poster on here who'd shoot you for saying that!

Alikay

I wouldn't want the checks to be more stringent: There are specific detailed questions asked and in general people answer honestly, but If there is intent to falsify info and someone is caught I think the punishment should be pretty unpleasant and public.

A few years ago it used to be the norm for minor offences to be published in the local paper, and I remember a couple of people we knew getting fined for stuff like claiming unemployment benefit while working. Certainly caused a bit of gossip at the school gates and corner shop, and probably acted as a deterrent too.

seven-day-weekend

frothy-coffee wrote: »

You're probably right.

Friends tell me I'm a fool for declaring (for example a SMALL pension). But I think it's easy them saying that when they're not the one signing the declaration at the end of te form!

I absolutely agree with you.