Benefit Fraud | Kangs Financial Fraud Defence Solicitors

Benefit fraud arises where claimants seek to recover financial benefits to which they are not entitled.

Sukhdip Randhawa of Kangs Solicitors considers the position generally.

Examples of Benefit Fraud | Kangs Benefit Fraud Advisory Solicitors

The fraud may be committed, for example, by failing to reveal correct details as to the:

• level of savings available, including any owned property
• total amount of household income
• number of occupants in a property
• accurate figure for financial commitments.

The Legislation | Kangs Benefits Law Advisory Solicitors

Social Security Administration Act 1992 distinguishes two types of offences:

Section 111A        

This section provides for dishonesty, making a representation to obtain benefits.  This can be a dishonest claim from the outset, or dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances.

Section 112                     

This section Involves making a false representation to obtain benefits.  This is an offence whereby a false statement is made to obtain benefits, either from the outset or by failing to notify a change in circumstances.

The Nature Of The Distinction Between The Two Offences

• under Section 111A the Prosecution must prove an element of dishonesty.
• if dishonesty cannot be proved, the Prosecution will endeavour to proceed under S112

Change In Circumstances

The Prosecution must prove that the alleged offender was aware that there was an undisclosed change which would have effected entitlement to benefits and which may include for example:

• commencement of new employment
• co-habiting with another
• the receipt of an unexpected financial payment.

The Consequences Of Committing Benefit Fraud | Kangs Criminal Defence Team

• a S112 offence can only be dealt with the in Magistrates’ Court and upon conviction, the maximum penalty is three months imprisonment.
• a S111A offence is triable either in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court and conviction will result in a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment.
• Additionally, the Court can make ancillary financial orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

How Can We Help? | Kangs Financial Crime Defence Solicitors

The team at Kangs Solicitors is engaged throughout the country on a daily basis defending clients charged with alleged financial crime at every conceivable level.

If you require assistance then please do not hesitate to contact our team through one of the following:

Sukhdip Randhawa
srandhawa@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 | 07989 521 210 (24hr Emergency Number)