HB problems. Need lots of support please.

[Deleted User]

I wish they checked me every six weeks. Or more often, so it wouldn't be forgotten.
I have opened all the letters now, a part from the one they sent me in this March, there is another from last April (2013).
I just hope if I come forward and tell them everything, they will make a payment plan and let us pay back with no jail sentence.

Also anyone knows if this will affect my job prospects, should I not bother applying?
Or do I apply as well as dealing with it?

[Deleted User]

The stolen money will go back.

tibawo

So sorry to hear what you are going through.

I know CAB is good place to go but when I had my appointment with them they were utterly useless. Because my issues related back more than a year they just said you need legal advice. I was devastated, I even contemplated running due to the shame I had brought on myself.

It may be wise you go to a free legal clinic and get their spin on it. I don't want to dishearten you but most councils have a cut off limit now as to wether you go to court. They do take things into account and if you are honest it may help. However, at your appointment they will want to know if you read the annual letters and why you didn't check them and notify them.

Please be strong, people on the forum are here for you. I don't mean to worry you but I would rather be realistic. What's done is done, it's how you handle it now that it is important.

Pippin12

I think you are unlikely to go to prison unless very large sums are involved but without knowing the amount owed, it is hard to say. If you hold your hands up now and come clean that may go in your favour. Re the job, I would put in an application anyway - just be aware that it might go against you. I think you need to book a day off work to go to CAB/HB office - this is very serious so is definitely worth booking a day's leave to sort out.

[Deleted User]

tibawo wrote: »

So sorry to hear what you are going through.

I know CAB is good place to go but when I had my appointment with them they were utterly useless. Because my issues related back more than a year they just said you need legal advice. I was devastated, I even contemplated running due to the shame I had brought on myself.

It may be wise you go to a free legal clinic and get their spin on it. I don't want to dishearten you but most councils have a cut off limit now as to wether you go to court. They do take things into account and if you are honest it may help. However, at your appointment they will want to know if you read the annual letters and why you didn't check them and notify them.

Please be strong, people on the forum are here for you. I don't mean to worry you but I would rather be realistic. What's done is done, it's how you handle it now that it is important.

I used CAB a lot a few years back when I was having other issues (nothing to do with benefits) and I just found it to be a bit of waste of time since I could have more info online etc. My issue now is complicated and I know they won't have time to deal with it properly, specially if the happen not to have the most knowledgeable person there on the day.
The only thing I don't want is to go to jail. They can do whatever else. My husband is a hard working honest guy but is too laid back and I was left to deal with this all and made a mess.
Please explain what a cut off limit as wether to go to court and what happens in court?

[Deleted User]

Pippin12 wrote: »

I think you are unlikely to go to prison unless very large sums are involved but without knowing the amount owed, it is hard to say. If you hold your hands up now and come clean that may go in your favour. Re the job, I would put in an application anyway - just be aware that it might go against you. I think you need to book a day off work to go to CAB/HB office - this is very serious so is definitely worth booking a day's leave to sort out.

Having the day off on Monday to sort it out, no matter what.
I can't say how much is involved because I don't even know how to begin doing the calculations they do.

[Deleted User]

Anyone can link me a case when people in my situation went to prison, how much they served, etc?
I can't go to jail.

[Deleted User]

I feel dirty.

Lioness_Twinkletoes

Get a grip, OP. Stop castigating yourself and concentrate on dealing with the situation. Get all your paperwork together, pay slips, P45s etc. Make an appointment or just turn up at your local council, explain what you've done and let them handle it.

It is extremely unlikely you'll go to jail, even the worst benefit fraud is generally treated very leniently, more's the pity.

Consider doing a Statement of Affairs, so you can start looking for ways to pay the money back. Time to start making cutbacks.

Honestly, all this woe is me is wearing a bit thin. You've made a mistake or deliberately committed fraud - whatever. Now you have to deal with the fall out of this. Time to man up.

Googled a couple of fraud cases - one woman got a suspended sentence for fraud totalling £76k (HB). Another fraudster only got a £500 fine for carrying out fraud totalling £11k. There are some that went to prison but mostly fraudsters get off with a metaphorical slapped wrist - you are likely to get the same.

Murphybear

First of I think you are over obsessing about going to prison. I have watched a lot of programmes about benefit fraud, particularly Saints and Sinners with Dom Littlewood, and the impression I got was that the only people who are imprisoned are those who have deliberately committed fraud over a long time with large sums of money involved.

As others have said, get some advice, approach the Council first and try not to worry.