To report this as benefit fraud

[ClareClareClareClare]

A relative is claiming benefits, can’t work due to health but is one of those who is always complaining about something wrong with her but is always able to do the things she wants to do. Can holiday abroad, always down the gym, etc. When she was working she was always making complaints against employers- one of life’s victims.

She sold a property a couple of years ago and has squirrelled about £40k away through investments. I think has got her mother to do this for her.

I’m so fed up of seeing people like her take the piss. I 100% support a welfare system and it really pisses me off to see it abused like this. And meanwhile we are working our arses off and not able to afford the foreign travel and gym memberships.

I’m so tempted to report her secret savings to DWP.

Why do you need to ask MN?

She has more savings than she is allowed, and that is against the rules.
Going on holiday and going to the gym isn't, and YABVU to bring that into it.

No. Its petty and vindictive. Plus pointless and a waste of time if the savings aren't in her name.

Wouldn’t the authorities be able to investigate where the money came from initially?

Oh just get on with it if that's what you want to do. You sound so vindictive in your post that I doubt if you need the validation of Mumsnet posters.

Going to the gym and on a foreign holiday isn't the same as being able to hold down a job. You saying she was always making complaints against employers is a sign that she cannot manage in employment.
How do you know about all these savings and investments? How do you know they didn't pay of debt or aren't being declared? You THINK it went through her mum, which suggests you don't actually know anything.

If she has savings then they will absolutely know about it. Maybe her benefit is based on ill health and isn't means tested. For example DLA is not means tested. I'd mind my own business.

I don't know why you had to ask on a public forum she has too much saving report her if you want !

as i understand the finance side of it, the £ could of been put in another persons name then techinally that belongs to them and is their investments

Do you want to report her because you think its wrong or because you don't have the same amount of savings?

And meanwhile we are working our arses off and not able to afford the foreign travel and gym memberships.

Reporting this person for benefit fraud, will change none of those things for you.

They do catch up with people who have sold properties but it takes a while.

This really.

If you're asking, then just report her and own your decision. No need for the justification of strangers on MN

Yes it may well sound petty and vindictive. And I’ve not done anything for the reason that that is not my nature.
But i’m angry that someone can have £40k in savings and do nothing, whilst we work full time and have no savings because the cost of living is extortionate. It’s very upsetting actually. And she thinks it’s absolutely fine to do it, to essentially steal from other working people. And lots of people here also seem to think it’s ok, so that’s an interesting reflection of society at present isn’t it.

Don’t you think benefit fraud impacts the taxpayer?

She has those savings because she sold a property. That has nothing to do with your wages or the cost of living.

Oh ffs

You can’t just hide money like that. Same as trying to avoid care home fees, inheritance etc. you can’t just magic it away to be someone else’s.

that is not my nature

What's the difference between the natures of someone who reports it and someone who whinges spitefully on an anonymous forum?

Not at all,

It’s ok to feel angry at fraud of the benefit system. That system is there to protect the vulnerable at their time of need. People with £40k savings taking money they aren’t entitled to are stealing that money from the taxpayer and from those genuinely in need.

Not correct. If they are informed the person had £40k they will ask where its gone. Its not permitted to give it away to your mum in order to claim benefits. At best the person will have to pay back what they've recieved since they had the £40k, at worst they could get prosecuted if it's thought be be deliberate fraud. The OP is in a position to make things incredibly difficult for her relative if she's sufficiently vindictive.

If she’s got savings they will find out. If she’s on means tested benefits, they will contact her. If the savings aren’t in her name, or her benefits are non means tested, nothing will happen.

Either way, nothing will change your inability to afford what she has.

Quite honestly, I would just try and improve your own situation, and stop fretting about hers.🤷‍♀️

Is it me making it difficult for her??
if someone robs a bank and the police catch them are the police ‘making it difficult for them’? If someone is having an affair and a friend tells their wife are they making it difficult for them? Or is it consequence of your shitty actions?