I’m worried I’ll lose my part-time job because I’ve been accused of Benefit Fraud

Question: I’ll try and explain everything clearly, but I am panicking at the moment that I’m going to lose a job I love because of all this.

I look after my disabled Mother and for this, I receive a small carer’s allowance. I’ve never claimed benefits before, so the paperwork was a little bit confusing and I may have missed something. I’ve been claiming for about 12 months now with no issues. I also work part-time in the public sector after cutting back my hours at work. However, I’m now worried that if this comes to light, I’ll lose my part time job.

If I’m convicted and they stop paying the carers allowance or ask for the overpayment to be repaid. I’m worried I could lose my job as a consequence and find it difficult to be able to afford my own expenses.

Thank you in advance for your help and assistance whatever you advise I do. I just hope somebody is able to help me as this wasn’t done intestinally.

Answer: All  is not lost. The solution is to get to the benefit fraud office before they get to you and they will.

We are the most thoroughly spied-on, recorded and monitored people in the world.

Your data could be included on the DWP data-sharing, the National DNA database, the National Identity Register, the NHS Detailed Care Records Service, the Audit Commission’s National Fraud Initiative, the Home Office’s Intercept Modernisation Programme and the SOCA database of Suspicious (financial) Activity (which retains data regardless of guilt or innocence)

It is not a case of if they catch you, but when.

The solution is to get to them first, with expert help, make a full confession an offer to repay any overpayment, and that give you the best possible chance of avoiding a criminal conviction. Even if you have broken the rules the benefit office has the power to nearly give you a ‘slap on the wrist’ which is a private and administrative civil penalty. Your employer will know nothing about it.

Consult Hylton-Potts, the experts who offer fixed fees, and give excellent value.

We operate a free and confidential 24 hour email service. Just click on [email protected] or,  during office hours, there is a free and confidential legal helpline 020 7381 8111.