Should I report a family member illegally claiming benefits?

roubiliac

You have a moral responsibilty to report it if he is knowingly defrauding the benefit system.
Every benefit awards letter makes clear that the recipient must report any change in the qualifying condition for the award.
It's because of fraud like this that cost millions that genuine benefit entitlements are being slashed by IDS.

goggle

yes ...
<Don't even understand why it's a question ...>

Domayne wrote: »

Personally I know a few benefit cheats in my family but o wouldn't dream of reporting them because they are more important to ME than the law

Sorry, that argument doesn't wash with me. My moral standards mean that I would not hesitate to do so and yes that would apply if it were my own brother, uncle, friend etc. I am disappointed in so many people in today's society that really have no morals whatsoever.

<I guess this is why it's a question ... >

bagginslover

OP wouldn't know he was still receiving the benefits if he hadn't told her/him, Very few people are privy to uncles financial info in other ways. So he must have told her he's still getting them, despite the changes, so I'd imagine he is aware he shouldn't be.


In this scenario, yes, I would report him.

Errata

The only sensible response to the question is "Do what you want, because you will anyway"

ineed

I agree with those saying to make sure the uncle knows the rules have changed, if he is aware but continues to claim I'd look at why, hardship or just because, and either help get him more support or report him if it's the latter. I can understand someone in real difficulty not reporting a change, that must be very upsetting, but just because doesn't sit well with me.

Wizzbang

goggle wrote: »

yes ...
<Don't even understand why it's a question ...>



Sorry, that argument doesn't wash with me. My moral standards mean that I would not hesitate to do so and yes that would apply if it were my own brother, uncle, friend etc. I am disappointed in so many people in today's society that really have no morals whatsoever.

<I guess this is why it's a question ... >

100% agree with this statement. Obviously, we don't know his age or possible disability. If he has dementia, learning disabilities, or is elderly and memory problems might apply- then that's a consideration.

I 'shopped' a neighbour once who was claiming every benefit going, along with his drug taking, smoking, offensive behaviour, aggressive dog and other law breaking activities- I felt he deserved it, after making my life hell for years. It resulted in him losing his flat and it was very satisfying watching this man who was 'so disabled' manage to pack his entire house up AND load the removals van. Good riddance and I hope he got more of his just desserts.

j.e.j.

Having spent some time studying the Old East Germany and the "unofficial informers" whose task it was to grass on their neighbours, I am inclined not to tell tales on people and thereby do the government's work for them.

I don't want to live in a society where people are encouraged to inform on each other.

gayleygoo

I wouldn't do it, to me it's something a person does if they either dislike the claimant or they are jealous.

If a friend committed a violent crime that I knew of, then I'd feel a moral obligation to report it. Claiming extra money from the government, sure it's illegal and unethical, but I wouldn't grass them up. If I were to report a friend for benefit fraud just because "it's illegal", then I may as well phone the police on my friends for speeding, smoking spliffs, picking "special" mushrooms, insurance fraud for a sofa,etc - and soon I'd have few friends left! (I feel I must point out that my friends are all lovely, hardworking people, and not the gang of scoundrels I may have made them sound like )
A friend of mine was investigated for benefit fraud, and it caused a lot of stress and unhappiness in the house. If I had been the person to report it, I'd have felt so terrible I probably wouldn't have been able to speak to her again, so make sure you're prepared for that if you report your uncle.

onlyroz

I can understand why people would be reluctant to shop close friends or relatives - yes you might be doing an "honourable deed", but there could well be negative repurcussions on yourself if it became common knowledge that it was you who told.

lostinrates

gloriouslyhappy wrote: »

Let those without blame cast the first stone..

If you are party to theft this blame is yours to carry too. I'd want to right my wrong in this too.

This money could be helping those genuinely entitled to it, there is never enough to go around and money taken unfairly deprives everyone.