I’m a single mum at University and I’ve been accused of Benefit Fraud

Question: I’m a single mum with 3 children, receiving income support, housing and council tax benefit. I started uni last year and informed the DWP of this. I was told that student finance needs to assess my circumstances and then they’d send my NI number through to DWP.

However three days ago I received a letter stating that they have reasons to believe that I may have committed a crime as I was claiming both income support and student finance!?

The letter states that they wont discuss anything over the phone and advises me to seek legal advice which is why I have contacted yourselves.

I spoke to student support who said should be claiming child tax credits and getting discounted rent. Also as I’m a student, I’m exempt from paying council tax.

The thing is, DWP already knew I was a student as I sent all my documents (benefit letters, child benefit letters, birth certificates, etc) off to student finance when I made my application plus student finance tell you that they contact the DWP upon completion of the form. I’ve tried all I can to make sure I did everything that was asked of me. I don’t understand where this all went wrong…

The interview is almost 2 weeks away, I’m really worried now as the letter says it’s a CRIMINAL OFFENCE! I’ve never ever been in trouble with the law, neither have I intended or signed a false document just so I can gain extra money. I also have 2 weeks left until I finish my first year at Uni, but I now feel like giving up and staying on benefits as nobody will want to employ a criminal!!

Answer: The letter you have received gives the impression that you have to attend the interview. This is untrue. You are under no obligation at all to attend, or to say anything if you do. They can threaten to arrest you or even do it but still you can remain mute. An interview is frightening like a police interview when they thrust documents at you to try to catch you out. It is recorded and on tape just like on TV and not a pleasant experience.

The solution is to send in a written statement, having very carefully with expert help worked out your side of the story.

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.