Benefit Fraud

What is benefit fraud?

Benefit fraud is when someone gives false information in order to claim benefits. This includes people who:

do not inform us that they are now living with a partner
do not declare that they are receiving other benefits
do not report any savings or report an incorrect amount
claim for children who have left home
do not inform us that they have started work, or started to earn money
do not declare that they have inherited money
do not inform us that they are going abroad, living abroad, or have changed address

We are responsible for investigating council tax support fraud. You can report this using the method below:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investigates housing benefit fraud. You can report this using the methods below:

Tel: 0800 854 440 your call is free and confidential - you do not have to give your name and address. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.00am-6.00pm.

Text phone: 0800 328 0512 if you have speech or hearing problems

By post: NBFH, PO Box 224, Preston, PR1 1GP

benefit fraud staff will look at the information you provide. If you have given enough information, they will check the person's benefit claim
the investigation might take some time, and staff aren't allowed to tell you the outcome
sometimes no action is taken. It might be that the person has declared the work when claiming and their benefit is not affected by it.
benefit fraud staff will only take action if they find the person has been committing benefit fraud. Action can include removing a person's benefits and taking them to court