What is Benefit Fraud?

Benefit fraud is where people claim any benefit including Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit that they are not entitled to.  Anyone who knowingly fails to declare their true circumstances when receiving benefit is committing fraud.

Common types of fraud include failing to tell us about:

• Bank or Building Society Accounts
• Working part time or full time
• Other people living with you
• Other income including private pensions
• Other benefits, such as Tax Credits
• Moving home
• Marriage
• A partner moving in with you (even if it is only temporary)
• Renting a room to a lodger or tenant
• Properties you own or have an interest in.

Cost to the Community

Benefit fraud costs Hart District Council money that could be used to fund other vital services. Fraud is not a victimless crime. Hart District Council pays approximately £ 7.5 million in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit every year. Nationally, it is estimated that about 10% of benefit paid has been claimed fraudulently.

Prevention and Detection

The prevention, detection and investigation of Benefit Fraud in Hart District Council is dealt with by our Benefit Investigation Team.  They are  empowered under legislation to interview claimants. The Investigations Team work closely with their opposite numbers at the Department of Work and Pensions as a lot of allegations involve both Housing/Council Tax Benefit and Social Security administered benefits, particularly Income Support and Income Based Job Seekers Allowance. Where evidence is obtained, offenders can be prosecuted by way of Criminal Court proceedings or other designated sanctions.

Reporting a suspected fraud

• Call our free hotline on 0800 328 6340 or textphone 0800 328 6341
• Email us at fraud@hart.gov.uk
• Call direct on 01252-774462 (Office hours)
• All calls are in strictest confidence, you do not have to leave your name