I got a letter from the councils fraud team yesterday saying they will be interviewing me under caution for fraud in relation to the self isolation £500 payment
I’m absolutely mortified, didn't sleep at all last night and keep throwing up with stress.
On the 17th of June, I received a message from my daughters after school care. That a member of staff had tested positive for Covid. And that they were closing the after-school care and notifying parents if their child had been a close contact.
They also told parents needed to come and collect their child asap.
Upon collection I was told by one of the workers who checked a list that my daughter was a close contact and would have to isolate.
A message was then posted through their messaging app confirming this.
I calculated this as her having to be off school until 25th June.
As a I am single parent with a court order in place as the resident parent. I must look after her as her mum has very little contact
I had heard of the £500 support and could apply for the support payment as I was staying at home with her and that I get universal credit with a child element. I applied for this the same night in a panic and included the requested documentation.
At the time I was very stressed, as my daughter kept constantly crying that she was going to get ill and be in hospital. Been away for work, due to be the only person in a busy department and very important appointment the next day. I also suffer from depression and anxiety which I am on medication for. I had presumed I would have a deduction from my salary.
Due to my ongoing anxiety and stress at work, by the time I was paid the next salary, I did not think to check the amount and had completely forgotten about the award. My salary had also changed over the previous months due to part time furlough.
I've spoken to a solicitor this morning, who says as its under caution I can get help from them for free. They are going to now contact the council to say I'm been represent and I will be doing the zoom meeting from their offices.
I feel so stupid and angry with myself for getting into this situation through nothing more then my on stupidity.
I work in a school, so if I am prosectured I will lose my job.
Has anyone heard of a case like this and what the likely outcome would be? going to court, prison etc
The interview isn't until next Friday and I can already feel to the point of a berakdown and its not even been 24 hours