benefit fraud

[rosylee]

l would like to know what happens next if a person is accused of benefit fraud and does not admit to it, but is not believed by the fraud dept. What actions are taken next? Also, if your only income is incapcity benefit can that be suspended leaving a person no income whatsoever to live on?

[boro1986]

I know they will not accuse without evidence i.e. film photo's (seen any strange cars parked not to far away lately). I suspect you have done it rosylee and in my opinion it is theft, theft of my money the taxpayer me who pays �600 a month so i hope you get the book thrown at you

[themas]

I assume boro1986 is being flippant.

The fraud dept. can decide to prosecute or they can propose a different solution, such as acceptance of the fraud with a liability to repay, possibly with a penalty added. If the person does not accept this then I think they either have to prosecute or drop it. What they will do depends on their view of the strength of their case. Even if they drop it as a fraud case they can still terminate the benefit concerned if they consider the conditions for it are no longer met.

I don't know whether they can suspend incapacity benefit, but they can end it - as above. It would then be neccesary to claim job seekers allowance or income support or put in a new application for incapacity benefit.

If you are in this position it could be worthwhile getting advice from your local CAB or other welfare rights advice service.