Benefit Fraud
Sedgefield Borough Council has a duty by law to administer a Benefits Service. We also have a responsibility to ensure
that payments are made only to those who are actually entitled to receive them.
For that reason, we have our own Fraud Section whose duties include:
- Detecting fraudulent claims
- Stopping and reducing payment in fraudulent cases
- Calculating overpayments of Benefit on the discovery of the true facts
Common Types of Fraud
Non-disclosure of partner (living together as a couple)
The failure to declare the presence of a partner, knowing or intending that this would affect their entitlement. This includes
same sex couples.
Non-disclosure of property/capital
This type of fraud is where a claimant fails to declare either savings or capital or the ownership of another property/land
elsewhere (for which they may be receiving rent).
Failing to declare change of address
Where a claimant fails to declare that he/she has moved, but continues to accept payments of Housing Benefit for their
previous address, they are committing a fraud.
Non-disclosure of income
This is where the claimant fails to declare all of their income, knowing or intending that non-declaration will increase
their Benefit award.
Non-declaration of non-dependants and/or sub-tenants
It is fraudulent if a claimant fails to declare the presence of other adults living in the property.
False claims by homeowners
This is where the owner of a property falsely states that he or she is paying rent to occupy their own property.
False address fraud
Where a person is claiming Benefit for an address they are not living at.
Landlord fraud
This is where a landlord continues to receive Benefit for a tenant, when they know the claimant no longer lives at the
property the claim is for.
Fraud Hotline
To report a suspected fraud, you can call the Fraud Hotline free of charge on
0800 854 440
or
Online Benefit Fraud Reporting Form
What we do with your report
We look at every report that we receive. Investigations can take some time and it should not be obvious that the person
is under investigation.
If you suspect someone of committing Benefit fraud, we cannot tell you about individual cases as we have a duty of confidentiality.
You must remember that some people can get Benefits and work.
When we receive a report of Benefit fraud, we check the person's Benefit claim. If we decide to investigate, we will gather
information from various places.
The Investigation Team will establish the facts and take action if appropriate. This may include withdrawal of Benefits
or prosecution or other sanctions.
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