Report Housing Benefit fraud

Examples of Housing Benefit fraud

Housing Benefit fraud can take many forms. It happens when people provide false information or they don't tell us about a change in circumstances. Examples of this can include:

• not declaring all or part of your wage/income if you're claiming Housing Benefit
• not disclosing or declaring any savings or capital or the ownership of another property
• claiming to be the sole occupant when there is a partner who is employed and living at the property
• not telling us about a change of address
• failure to declare other adults living in the property, including sub-tenants
• landlord fraud

What happens after you report someone

The Department for Work and Pensions will look at the information you give. They will take action if they find the person has been committing Housing Benefit fraud. Action can include asking for monies to be repaid or taking them to court. Depending on the offence, the outcome of any prosecution can vary from community hours, a fine or in the most serious cases imprisonment. 

Why we need to stop Housing Benefit fraud

Some people believe that Housing Benefit fraud is a victimless crime and is therefore okay. This is not the case. It takes money away from vital services and those that truly need help.