Fraud Investigations - What is Benefit fraud?

Benefit fraud is treated as a criminal offence. You might be considered to have received benefits through fraud if you did any of the following:

a) False representation for claiming benefits

• This means that you give information or evidence which you know to be false, or

• Fail to notify a change in your circumstances which you know affects your benefit, or

• Cause or allow another person to fail to notify a change which you know affects their benefit.

or

b) Dishonest representation for claiming benefits

• This means that you knew that you were acting dishonestly when you gave incorrect information or evidence, or failed to report a change.

Special rules allow for investigation and prosecution where you are suspected of benefit fraud. They apply to any benefit that you receive from:

• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) (which pays most benefits through either Jobcentre Plus or Pension Service or Disability and Carers Service)
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Social Security Scotland (SSS), in Scotland
• Department for Communities (DfC), in Northern Ireland
• Local authorities/councils

It is very important that you get advice if you have been accused of fraud. You can use our Find an Adviser tool to find a local advice service.