Benefit fraud

[Jacksmom4eva]

HI i've done something wrong with universal credit and now I know im in trouble, i lied and said my 16 year old was still in education when she left in july 2023, i'm such a bad person and got myself into a bigger mess than I am already.

I'm scared what will happen

You must know you will have to pay it back, at the very least.

Why did you say your daughter was in education when she wasn't?

1.Let them know as soon as possible.

1. They will probably issue you with an overpayment letter.
2. If you can afford to pay in one go , do so. If not ask to pay back in installments.
3. If you are having trouble getting them to agree a repayment plan go to your local CAB for help.

@Jacksmom4eva don't worry, you can sort this out.

Your DD needs to be in education or training until she's 18 - how is she spending her time now?

You will need to tell the truth. If your DD has left education, you'll need to remove her from your UC claim. Is she looking for education?

Education or training is compulsory until age 18 in UK, unless your daughter is employed. What is she doing?

Sorry, cross-posted with @Lougle

Not Scotland but being employed is irrelevant you still need to also be in education or training in England.

Not all parts of the UK.

I needed the money yes i know it was wrong okk

She works on saturdays

She works on satrudays

What does she do in the week?

If she only works on Saturday what does she do during the week? She should be in education or training (ie apprenticeship).

What has suddenly made you have a pang of conscience? You are likely to get your claim frozen until the amount can be repaid. Why is dd NEET?

Honestly I would contact them say you had thought you had made the change but when working out your end of year finances to budget plan for the New Year you had realised you hadn't. Yes it's not true but the dwp are brutal you have realised you are wrong and will need to pay the money back anyway. Adding a possible conviction isn't going to benefit anyone.

Did they realize you were lying or is your conscience?
Maybe you can say you made a mistake and possibly get away with just paying the over-payment back.

You will have to repay the money at the very least. DD is out of school because she's autistic and was a school refuser after being off for so long with lockdowns. She's 16 this year and we have been told already that she is due to fall off the claim in summer.

Apologies and thank you for correcting me. I didn't realise the education, employment & training until 18 wasn't applicable in Scotland.

I thought all parents receive this until the child is 18? Why do you think you aren't entitled?

Because the child has to be in education or training

No one wants to kick you when you’re down but read the room. Today is the first day back to work for a lot of people who are seriously struggling to go back due to MH, toxic workplaces, leaving children in nursery. It’s galling that you’ve cheated the system and want further help to sort it out.

Oh sorry I don't know about universal credit. I thought you meant the child allowance.

Uc review and what do u mean

I feel awful so dont need to be beaten further

grieve for her dad who died