Can you leave the country if you are being investigated for benefit fraud?

The simple answer is that yes, you can still leave the country if you are being investigated for benefit fraud. That said, if you have been specifically asked by the investigators not to leave the country, you must not do so.

The vast majority of benefit fraud cases are small scale, so it is very unusual for people who are being investigated for defrauding the DWP to be asked not to leave the country. Those suspected of high-level benefit fraud are far more likely to be directed not to leave the country by the investigators.

However, if you are being investigated it is wise to stay in the country, and available, until the investigation is complete. This is important because it shows that you are willing to co-operate with the investigation, and, therefore have nothing to hide. Some benefit fraud suspects leave the country permanently or for an extended period in an effort to avoid the investigation, which is why people who go abroad during an investigation can appear to be behaving in a suspicious manner. The DWP pursue those who try to avoid their investigations by moving abroad. They take a dim view of anyone who appears to be evading them, which can, to a certain extent, affect the outcome of the case.

If you are still claiming benefits, it is very important to notify the DWP before going abroad for more than a few weeks. You are legally required to do this, so that any benefits you are not entitled to claim whilst you are abroad can be stopped. The last thing someone who is being investigated for benefit fraud needs is to commit another offence by continuing to claim a benefit that they are not entitled to whilst abroad.
Even if you need to go abroad to look after a sick relative, and have not been told to travel, it is still wise to find out what the legal ramifications could be before you actually travel. At Hylton Potts, we have dealt with many benefit fraud cases, so have the expertise to ensure that you do not do anything to negatively affect the outcome of your case.