What is benefit theft?
Everyone who commits benefit fraud is a benefit thief!
Many people assume that benefit theft applies only to those who are working for 'cash in hand' whilst claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. This is not the case. All benefit theft is crime.
Benefit theft includes deliberately not telling us:
- you are now living with a partner
- about any savings or not telling us the right amount
- children have left home
- you have started work, or about any earnings
- you have inherited money
- you are going abroad, living abroad, or have changed address.
There are no exceptions. People who knowingly withhold information or deliberately fail to report a change in their circumstances are benefit thieves. It is not ‘playing the game' – it is breaking the law!
We’re closing in. And when we catch you, you could face a prison sentence.