Benefit Cheat

[nailit]

Would you report a benefit cheat?
More importantly, how would you define a benefit cheat?
Not as simple as it sounds, I dont think.
Think we all might agree that if someone was working full time and claiming job seekers allowence, then that is unlawful.
But what about someone who is unemployed but does a bit of cash in hand occasional work? (if you were actually working then it might be called a 'foreigner')
What about someone who is claiming benefits but makes a couple of hundred by doing a car boot sale? Should that be declared? Is he/she a benefit cheat?
Whats the difference between trying to get by (and maybe having the occasional luxury like a new set of clothes) and actually been a benefit cheat?

[factor-fiction]

What about someone who is claiming benefits but makes a couple of hundred by doing a car boot sale? Should that be declared? Is he/she a benefit cheat?

I don't see any need to declare income from a car boot sale provided it's a one-off and not a weekly business, although if it led to a significant change in savings levels (eg if he raised £10000) then it could affect entitlement to some benefits

[murraymints]

nailit..i was a benefits manager and knew fine well some of my clients had wee sidelines..as long as they did not get too cocky about it and take me for a mug..i did not notice..but if I was treated in an agressive manner and openly mocked then woe betide....I may add I had clients coming too see me personally for advice and help as word got round that I was an OK person who would be realistic ....I am sure I was not alone...although times have changed and the emphasis would now apper to be on stopping monies not helping peeps in need..

[Mamyalynne]

If ( and that's a big If) I were to be contemplating reporting someone, I would need to know the whole picture and as we rarely do until some big case hits the media I think it's a tough call.


A few hours behind the bar or helping a friend on a market stall etc etc I don't class as cheating.

[Psybbo]

I agree with all of the above and I'm sure people in work may have sidelines as well that they don't declare

[pixie373]

You are allowed to earn some extra-

http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sm/permitted-work-working-while-claiming-employment-and-support-allowance

[tamborine]

Best give less to the Chancellor so Angela Merkel stays friends with us.

[mikey4444]

I would have no hesitation in reporting benefit cheats and have done so on a few occasions over the last 20 years. After all, its my money that is be claimed fraudulently.

[nailit]

factor,, I did a car boot a few months ago but it was all stuff that had been given to me, therefore it was mine to do with what I will, it certainly didnt exceed 10 grand, lol.
Murray, wish I had an advisor like you, would make life a lot easier for me.
Mamy,, // few hours behind the bar or helping a friend on a market stall etc etc I don't class as cheating.// wish the government would see it that way.

[nailit]

Mikkey, think the problem is that some people cannot survive on 70 quid a week (minus bedroom tax and council tax) plus bills and then expected to eat, cloth and survive, and pay bills on top.
But as you say, its your money so report away.

[nailit]

BTW Mikkey, its my money too from when I was working...

[ummmm]

Like Mamy says, you need to know the whole picture.

I know some people seem to think that people on benefits live the life of Reilly...if they do run a car, have their holidays, have numerous flat screen TVs, latest mobile phones, fags and booze...then they are on. the fiddle.

If someone done a few odd jobs because their kids needed new school shoes then I would not report them. I know you can get cheap uniforms from Tesco ect but in my experience they don't last. Even my sons £50 Vans don't last...but I am a cruel mother and make him walk to and from school.

If someone was taking the pee and claiming to be single while having someone earning a decent wage living with them I'd be very tempted to report.

[nailit]

I think my mate had it right last night ,
he said that the government would soon have benefit claiments wearing stripped pyjamas with a big yellow star proclaiming 'benefit claiment'.
Benefitt claiments are becomming the new jews of the UK.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

As I understand ...if you get caught cheating...you just arrange to have the evidence shredded!

[tamborine]

Our growth tax has cost us £1.7bn excl fines. Keep your extras till EU bring an honest share to the table.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/uk-threatened-with-42m-fine-for-missing-eu-surcharge-deadline-9836978.html

[murraymints]

sorry you are having such a tough time Nailit...I am gllad to be way from it all now as it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to implement some of the ever changing rules... the goalposts shifted from helping people, explaining benefits and assisting the client in order to get what they were due to hiding information and if they don't ask we don't tell attitude..it did not sit well with me...when I left I had many many letters and cards from grateful clients wishing me well some of them were almost like friends..i had invites to weddings, christenings even funerals after I had helped sick folk with their claims to get stuff fast tracked and stress free during terminal illness.. I like to think I did my wee bit....

[Mamyalynne]

Not sure showing your Job Centre Adviser that article would cut much ice if you were called in for an interview.

[Mamyalynne]

^ My reply was to Tambo

[ummmm]

Murray...when my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer the benefits office were absolutely fantastic. They were so kind to me when trying to deal with everything. People should be more like that and stop thinking that every benefit claimant is on the rob.

[Jeza]

A bloke I know has 3 kids all under 6. He lost his job early in the summer. He does odd jobs for people he knows. I would not report him, he is doing his best for his family.