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Benefit Fraud Solicitors

SOLVING PERSONAL LEGAL MATTERS

If you were to be convicted of benefit fraud, in addition to having to repay the monies owed, perhaps via Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings, you may also face imprisonment. With such potentially serious consequences, it's vital that if you are arrested or summoned to a police station for questioning in relation to a benefit fraud offence, you seek expert advice as soon as possible.

Receiving timely specialist legal advice can potentially make a big difference to what happens next in the investigation and even the final outcome.

Contact our specialist criminal defence team via our online enquiry form here.

Benefit fraud offences

There are a wide range of different people who qualify for and claim a variety of benefits within the UK. Many are means tested or apply only in certain circumstances and someone's eligibility for specific benefits can change over time. This means that alleged benefit fraud offences can range widely and be very complex - many of which can occur as a result of inaction as well as any deliberate action to defraud the system. Some of the most common benefit-related offences may include, but are not limited to:

Failure to notify when eligibility-related circumstances change
Claiming under a false identity
Providing false information with regard to benefit applications
Working whilst claiming unemployment benefits
Not disclosing property, savings or income that affect benefit eligibility.
Benefit fraud sentences and punishments

If you are convicted of a benefit fraud offence, the penalties can vary, as the punishment is impacted by the offence itself along with the circumstances of your case and the value of the amount defrauded.

At the very least, there is usually a fine issued, in addition to repayment of the amount obtained through the fraud and often a community service order. In serious cases of benefit fraud, there may be prison sentence of up to seven years.

What to do if accused of benefit fraud

If you are arrested or summoned to the police station for questioning in relation to benefit fraud, it can be a very stressful experience. It's important that you seek expert benefits legal advice as soon as possible from an experienced solicitor, to make sure that you understand your options and the process ahead.

Specialist benefit fraud advice from a solicitor at this early stage can make a huge difference to what happens next and the future of the investigation. Seeking assistance from a benefit fraud lawyer will enable you to make an informed decision about your next course of action.