Frequently Asked Questions
What is benefit fraud?
Benefits fraud is where someone is claiming a state benefit (for example Housing or Council Tax benefit) when they know that they are not entitled to some or all of it.
For some examples of the cases we have looked into please click on the example cases link on the left
Why bother fighting benefit fraud?
We are all victims of benefit fraud. Benefit cheats are stealing money from people who need it and they are stealing from every taxpayer in the country.
We have a duty to look after public funds and we want to encourage honesty while making sure that those who are entitled get all the benefits they should.
Details of how much Benefit fraud costs you and your family click on the "National Problem" link on the left
Who investigates benefit fraud in Sheffield?
Benefit fraud is investigated by Sheffield City Council's Fraud Section, a team of professionally trained fraud investigators. To find out more click on the "About the service" link on the left
I claim benefit, will you investigate my claim?
We know that most claims are genuine and honest and we want everyone to claim what they are entitled to.
We also know that sometimes people make mistakes when they apply for benefit. This is very different from deliberate fraud and unless there is strong evidence of fraud we will give you the benefit of the doubt. But we have a responsibility to check claims thoroughly to prevent fraud taking place.
We also know that sometimes people make mistakes when they apply for benefit. This is very different from deliberate fraud and unless there is strong evidence of fraud we will give you the benefit of the doubt. But we have a responsibility to check claims thoroughly to prevent fraud taking place.
This may mean that we have to visit you or write to you to check the details you have provided.
The standards we work to and our values are detailed on the "About the service" page.
If I report a benefit cheat when will I see a result?
Because we have to make sure of our facts before we take any action, investigations can take some time to complete. The law says we have to keep information about our claimants confidential, so we cannot give you progress reports on a possible fraud.
How do you punish benefit cheats?
Benefit fraud is a crime.
- All benefit cheats have to pay back the money they have stolen and we may use other punishments:
- We may give an official Local Authority Caution that will be held on record by the Police.
- We may give an Administrative Penalty (a fine that has to be paid as well as paying back the overpayment)
- We may prosecute (a benefit fraud conviction could result in a cheat being sent to prison for 7 years).
Our work is governed by Sheffield City Council's Prosecution Policy and Fraud Strategy together with the law relating to fraud - more details about our policy are given on the Our Policy page and there's more about legal matters on the 'What the law says' page.
How can I report someone I suspect of benefit fraud?
You can report a Benefit Cheat by phoning our Fraudline on
0800 083 7060
You can talk to a member of staff between 08.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday. If you ring outside these hours you can leave a message on our 24-Hour answer phone.
The service is strictly confidential and you do not have to give your name.
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