SIL and benefits fraud - WWYD

[grabzyy]

I know IABU for not minding my own business but this is really bugging me and I don't think it's fair. SIL and I get on quite well, she tells me a lot about her private life and I've always been there to listen and help as much as I can. About 2 months ago, she told me that her boyfriend has moved in with her so they can save money for a house deposit. She said she hasn't told UC because her payments would be affected as a result of how much he earns and they can't afford to not save the extra money. I told her that I'm sure she can get in trouble and get a fine if they find out and she said they're 'just seeing how things go and if it works out first'. I'm really annoyed about this because I feel like it's benefit fraud and she shouldn't be lying to them regardless of how much her payments will be affected but at the same time I also don't want her to get in trouble. What would you do?

@rainbowthoughts - I know it doesn't but sometimes you have to do what you can to keep things secure for your children. Once your benefits have changed it is a nightmare to have to start again and leads to spiralling debt.

Ask yourself: what would Boris Johnson do?

I think if she mentions it again, each time remind her of the rules. It's all you can do.
But she is at risk.

So shes claiming benefits to save for a house? What if we all done this commit benefit fraud just because we can? Us tax payers are paying for this behaviour and everyone seems fine with that. Benefits are not there so people like her and new partner can live it up.

She needs to be careful.

She might get away with it for a while, but she wont forever.

If he goes on any bills or electoral, UC can find that out.

@Sweettea1

So shes claiming benefits to save for a house? What if we all done this commit benefit fraud just because we can? Us tax payers are paying for this behaviour and everyone seems fine with that. Benefits are not there so people like her and new partner can live it up.

I don't think she's claiming benefit JUST for a deposit

Dob her in to SS.

I certainly don't suggest she continues this for more than a few weeks. But in my experience in can take years to get UC set up and you just get get in ever mounting debt while this happens.

And if this wasn't the case and the system actually worked at a brisker pace then probably people wouldn't be contemplating doing this as much.

No way would I report this! Its hardly industrial scale benefit fraud. People like SIL commit these small 'frauds' (and lets face it, this was in quite a technical point of fraud), because the system is so shit. Low wages meaning people take cash in hard, poverty level benefits so people take cash in hand. Ridiculous house prices. None of the people committing these frauds have created these conditions. Blame respective governments for their handling of the benefit system, economy and housing market for that.

If they are looking to buy, presumably SIL works but stills gets benefits? SO part of that benefit will be paying her rent costs? So if she buys a house, she will no longer get that help with renting. So actually, what she is doing now will probably SAVE the taxpayer money in the long run.

You’re worried about her getting in to trouble and yet YOU want to be the one who reports her??!

I think what’s really bothering you is the idea that she will be better off and possibly better off than you?

Putting aside everything else I think it’s a terrible misuse of the trust she has in you. She’s confided in you. Maybe if it works with her DP she will report a change in circumstances.

It’s wrong but what the hell. Life is a bloody struggle, there are far worse things going on. It’s small fry compared to the tax dodging antics of the rich......yet they encourage Joe Bloggs to “shop a benefit cheat”.

Isthepopecatholic that’s a brilliant comment about Boris 😊

[quote SummerBreeze1980]@rainbowthoughts - I know it doesn't but sometimes you have to do what you can to keep things secure for your children. Once your benefits have changed it is a nightmare to have to start again and leads to spiralling debt.[/quote]

So you advocate benefit fraud while you test your relationship

I'd tell her what happened to my friend who did much the same thing. She got found out and was sent to prison.

@PatrickBatemann she used to work part time but not anymore, she left a few months ago

@IsThePopeCatholic 😂

@Icantrememebrtheartist I suggest you go back and read the whole thread before you start accusing me of things I specifically said (multiple times) I refuse to do

@Tambora that's terrible, I'm sorry to hear that.

I'd do nothing.

Benefit fraud is a crime with a maximum penalty, for the most serious offenders, of ten years in prison. From what you've described from your SIL's case, I'd be surprised if she met the custody threshold, but it would still be treated seriously by the Courts if it ever went that far.

This isn't a victimless crime - everyone who pays tax are victims of benefits cheats.

In your SIL's case, the reason she is committing fraud isn't even to put food on the table, it's so she can increase her savings.

I don't share the view that benefits claimants shouldn't be 'allowed' to save but I do believe that benefits should be a safety net for those most in need and not a lifestyle choice.

PPs have suggested fraud is okay, because others (politicians) do it. This is clearly nonsense, you can't say a crime is acceptable simply because some people get away with it. They wouldn't be saying this is it was, say, a sexual assault!

You've raised your concerns with her direct and by the sound of it she has chosen to continuesher criminal behaviour. It's a tough decision - but personally I think you should report her to the benefit fraud hotline.

It is benefit fraud and they will probably easily find out. If she's lucky they'll make her repay the money, but it is not uncommon at all for them to pursue it, the longer it goes on and the more money she takes then the more likely they will and people get actual jail time for it.

Also, it's a mega pisstake on workers who pay the bloody tax and can't afford to save themselves but would if they didn't pay so much tax!

I actually think it's messed up that your SIL would loose her right to claim because she's met someone - why is he responsible for her children? Why should she loose her independence?

The way it currently is leaves people, especially women, massively vulnerable if their partner is abusive or suddenly leaves.

As long as she's happy with the potential consequences (unlikely custodial given she has small children but a criminal record and a tag is still a major inconvenience) then I'd leave her to it. Someone else will likely grass her up, better for it to not be you.

It’s her who’s running the risk so just let her get on with it. Honestly, in the great scheme of things it’s nothing. Go ahead and worry about what the rich and big corporations are creaming off. She’ll suffer enough if she gets busted.

@Sssloou

What does your DH/OH advise?

When I declared my DP moving in, I said my child wasn't his and the lady told me it doesn't matter, they base it on household income so I lost my working tax credit and other benefit.

@SummerBreeze1980

Posted too soon...he might not want to pay for her children so to stop it affecting them it sounds sensible to see how it works out first.

sorry, was meant to quote this one!