Benefit Fraud Investigation Process
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) and / or the Local Authority will initially receive a referral which will require them to investigate a person´s claim. This information can come from various sources such as an anonymous referral or alternatively a data match exercise which simply means that the computers at different Government Departments speak to each other and identify an aspect which requires investigation, for example, somebody else living at the address who is paying National Insurance contributions and tax.
An investigation will then take place and in most cases the person would be invited in for an interview under caution. In some cases, the Police become involved and actually arrest people resulting in them being interviewed under caution at the Police Station.
MJP solicitors offer free representation at Benefit Fraud Interviews at the Job Centre or the Police Station
Free Advice Available
If you have been arrested, interviewed or are due in court for a benefit fraud matter then speak to a solicitor today for free advice on 0333 011 0515 or contact us using the contact form on this page.In terms of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit there are three main areas of investigation which are as follows: -
- Living together as husband and wife in the same household and not disclosing this to the Authorities
- Being in employment and not disclosing that to the Authorities
- Having undeclared savings or capital which could affect entitlement to benefit
In terms of Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance the main area of investigation is that people have either exaggerated the extent of their medical condition or alternatively their condition has improved to an extent that they may be deemed to be no longer entitled to that benefit.
What Happens Next?
If you are under investigation for any type of benefit fraud you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. During the investigation process, or once it has finished, the authorities may invite you in for an interview (read more about interviews here). You should not go without seeking legal advice or representation first as anything you do say may be used later against you.
If you would like to speak to our solicitors for free legal advice you can call on 0333 011 0516, use our enquiry form to send us a message or leave your name, contact number and time below and we'll be in touch with you.
