Benefit fraud

Benefit fraud

Benefit fraud is committed when you deliberately claim benefits you are not entitled to.

Examples of benefit fraud include:

If you're suspected of benefit fraud

If you are suspected of benefit fraud, you will be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the Defence Business Services, or your local authority.

Your benefits may be suspended during the investigation. You will receive a letter informing you if this happens.

Fraud Investigation Officers (FIOs) may visit you or ask you to attend an interview about your claim, known as an ‘interview under caution’. FIOs will collect information about your case and determine whether further action is necessary.

Attending an interview under caution

An ‘interview under caution’ is a formal interview that is often recorded and may become part of a criminal investigation against you.

Seek advice on your case, for instance from a legal adviser or solicitor. Citizens Advice can also provide support and information about ‘interviews under caution’.

Outcomes of a benefit fraud investigation

If you have committed or attempted fraud, the following may occur:

Losing benefits due to benefit fraud conviction

If convicted of benefit fraud, your benefits can be reduced or stopped for up to 3 years, depending on the number of times you have committed fraud. Only certain benefits can be reduced or stopped, known as ‘sanctionable benefits’.
If you commit fraud on a non-sanctionable benefit, your other benefits may be reduced instead.

Sanctionable benefits

The benefits that can be reduced or stopped if you commit benefit fraud include:

Benefits that cannot be reduced or stopped

The benefits that cannot be reduced or stopped if you commit benefit fraud include:

Exceptions

If you commit benefit fraud and receive any of the following, none of your payments can be stopped or reduced: