Should I report a family member illegally claiming benefits?

JayD

You don't say if you have discussed this with your uncle - or if he is fully aware of the fraud he is committing. Assuming he is, I think you should both play on his conscience and sense of right and explain the possible consequences if he is found out .

Whilst I too find it galling for people to claim things they are not entitled to, while others struggle to make ends meet and others are paying contributions towards these benefits, I really don't think it wise to inform on a family member - even anonymously (which is very sneaky and risks you being found out anyway). Such actions can cause horrendous family feuds and great distress. So playing on his fear of consequences and appealing to his sense of what is right is the way I would advise you to go.

rinabean

Unless this is a massive scandal about to break, OP's uncle isn't IDS and therefore is not responsible for other people being denied benefits they deserve, because one of these men sat down and decided it should be law and the other is just someone's uncle. Making excuses for politicians' bad behaviour is pathetic. No wonder this country is a mess if we treat them like poor little lambs who don't know what they're doing and aren't in control of what they do. They could do a thousand things before they cut benefits and you know it.

Also I don't think it's that the rules changed. When the rules change, they still have your details and they adjust accordingly. It can only be 2 things, that he's had a change in circumstances that would have been okay under the old rules but not these (so it may be that he doesn't realise he needs to tell them, or it may be that he couldn't afford to live if he did) or you're wrong about him not being eligible (because if they have his details and still pay him after the rules change, that's the definition of eligible!)

So, if it's a change of circumstances that previously would have been fine, I still don't think you should report. If it was previously believed that this man was deserving of benefits you have a moral reason to not report (aside from the fact that he's your uncle). You aren't the government's informer and it's awful that you support benefit cuts and want to go around personally carrying them out. But if you think he is confused, not protesting, you should help him avoid having to pay it back and help him start doing it sooner rather than later.

TBagpuss

I agree with those suggesting that the first thing to do would be to ask your uncle whether he is aware of the changes to the rules, and if he is sure that he still qualifies, and offer to help him check this.

However, if he admits that he is not eligible but intends to continue to claim, or if you are confident that he is making a false claim and is not interested in putting it right, then you should report it as you would any other theft.

The fact that there are other, worse abuses going on doesn't excuse it or make it OK, any more than the fact that some people rob banks makes it acceptable to go shoplifting.

Eleanory

Speak to your uncle first. He may need these benefits and the DWP have changed the rules to exclude people who desperately need them. If he doesn't need them, tell him to stop claiming or you will report him. Give him the chance to do the right thing and thus avoid prosecution.

Torry_Quine

riceandpeas wrote: »

w.w. J. d?

Render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's. Matthew 22:21

Domayne

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 ... >

Well arent you holier than thou. I'm also disappointed that the majority of people would sell out their own flesh and blood over 'society' a bunch of people you dont know and have never met...lol and a law that doesn't give a crap about you.
I'm also reminded daily how glad i am that im not related to/friends with 98% of mse users.

FBaby

I'm also disappointed that the majority of people would sell out their own flesh and blood over 'society' a bunch of people you dont know and have never met...lol and a law that doesn't give a crap about you.

Where does it stop though? At which point do your consider the welfare of strangers to take precedence over the greediness of a family member? If such family member robbed an old lady in street, would you still protect them just because they are family?

jorok

joannie wrote: »

Yes, you should report him. It is public money and we all pay taxes to fund it.

And the quicker they are reported, the smaller the sum that has to be repaid and the smaller the fines.

Domayne

FBaby wrote: »

Where does it stop though? At which point do your consider the welfare of strangers to take precedence over the greediness of a family member? If such family member robbed an old lady in street, would you still protect them just because they are family?

Yes, I would. I'm very close to my family and they are the most important thing in the world to me. I'd feel bad for the old lady, I'd feel disappointed in my family member that could do such a thing. But I'd never ever shop any of them for anything, no, not even murder.

jorok

Domayne wrote: »

Well arent you holier than thou. I'm also disappointed that the majority of people would sell out their own flesh and blood over 'society' a bunch of people you dont know and have never met...lol and a law that doesn't give a crap about you.
I'm also reminded daily how glad i am that im not related to/friends with 98% of mse users.

And we are glad that people are not allowed to get away with stealing taxpayers money, especially your family who we don't know and have never met, and thank goodness are not related to.