Should I report a family member illegally claiming benefits?

gloriouslyhappy

Let those without blame cast the first stone..

Marisco

I think it depends on the circumstances. If I knew the person had money and could afford to do without the benefit money, then yes I would, but if someone was struggling from week to week, and taking the benefits off them would make things worse, then no I wouldn't.

Buzzybee90

I would, 100%.

happyinflorida

The biggest issue for me here is whether your uncle is aware of the change?

Are you aware and he isn't? If that is the case, then tell him.

Say you will help him to inform the correct place too. If he refuses, say you will sit there whilst he phones BUT make sure he also confirms in writing as these places have a habit of saying "Never got a phone call from you" when they take you to court! So always confirm EVERYTHING in writing to benefit offices.

lucylou32

cr1mson wrote: »

Is it likey to be delibrate or forgetfulness?

Delibrate - yes report.

Forgetfulness - remind

I agree with this^

If he now knows and chooses to continue, I'd report. You're doing him a favour really, because sooner or later he'll get caught and have to pay it back. Much easier to pay back sooner when the sum is lower.

Alikay

No, I wouldn't. I'd only report situations where someone was being harmed or put at risk - child abuse, drug dealing, animal neglect etc. I'd do that in a heartbeat.

There are plenty of people with dubious moral values doing things outside of the law, or carefully picking their way around the law - many of them swindling way more out of the country than a few hundred pounds in welfare benefits. I'd hate for us to become a nation of snitchers, all telling tales on our nearest and dearest whilst huge corporations and influential people use their accountants to gain extra £££'s immorally if not illegally.

janiebquick

How do you know that he is no longer entitled to them? Surely, if the "rules have changed" it is up to the benefit office to determine his eligibility, not you.

gaving7095

Firstly LOL @ Scotsbob, who I agree with 100 %.

To sum up my feelings: Is life not too short to worry about such things? The only reason to ever look at what somebody else has is to check that they have enough.
Fine, if it's somebody who has wronged you or irritated you previously for whatever reason, report them. But family should be treated differently and generally respected above all others in my opinion.

Secondly it strikes me that - unless your uncle is "crowing" about it - it's really none of your business & you should leave it up to him.
The most you "should" do is to remind him / discuss it with him. If he is aware & still decides to carry on, then he is risking being found out in the fullness of time, he'll reap what he sows.

Also, surely it's up to the government to audit such things - especially when it concerns a change of their own policies. I assume that you don't work for the tax office so why feel it necessary to do their admin. for them?

Specifically regarding the point of "grassing" family - personally, the phrase "Lowest of the low" comes to mind. Would you report your own child (if you have / had one)?

If you ARE going to report him, at least do him the courtesy of telling him beforehand: "I am going to report you for that". That way he can choose to contact them & report for himself that his circumstances have changed, if he decides to.

pinkjets

Mind your own business and let others look after theirs, if he is claiming something wrongfully it will catch up with him eventually, he is a grown man and unless he needs help with his finances (maybe you should offer to help him rather than be vindictive) then it really is his own choice, not yours, to make.

Mojisola

pinkjets wrote: »

Mind your own business and let others look after theirs, if he is claiming something wrongfully it will catch up with him eventually, he is a grown man and unless he needs help with his finances (maybe you should offer to help him rather than be vindictive) then it really is his own choice, not yours, to make.

If you were out shopping with a relative and you saw them slipping stuff into their bag/pockets, would you ignore the thieving on the basis that the shopkeeper should be stopping them doing it?

If you neighbour ignored someone breaking into your house because 'you should be looking after yours', would you think they'd done the right thing?