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

Looking for work

@Jacksmom4eva

I assume @newoldfluff means the money you’ve been claiming for the child element of UC?

But why isn't your DD at college? If she goes to college you can claim UC until the year she turns 19. What would she like to do as an occupation?

She didnt want to return in september, shes heavaily grieving for dad and mildly autistic, she has no idea

Did she pass gcses? Could she get a level 2 or 3 apprenticeship?

She wasnt put through gcses

Because of the bereavement or for other reasons? She really needs level 2 English and Maths or equivalent. Could she do
Functional Skills with a local college either in person or online as a starting point?

Bereavment, mild autism and previous school bullying, she has entry 3 maths

So ideally she could continue that and maybe do a Customer Service(if her Saturday job is retail, hospitality or similar) course. What support does she receive for her grief and SEND? Some colleges run courses specifically for those with similar needs,

Sorry for you and your daughters loss, it must be tough. Do you work? Re your UC claim, to be honest, I'd just say she's left as of now. I think you can update on your online UC account?

I'd also strongly try and get her to consider getting her basic level of education (whatever your standard maths and English qualifications are that you need in England to get entry into other courses/employment). It'll make things way easier down the line if she has her basics already.

thanks it came about as weve moved house and they said they would do a review as Ive not had one since being on UC and it was standard and theyve asked for a letter from the school. I work 45 hours a week

Can the place where she works Saturdays give her more hours?

Or you could read the thread, decide that you have nothing to add to help the (obviously distressed) op and toddle off to somewhere less upsetting for you.

@Jacksmom4eva do you have anyone in real life that support you to make that call?

@Jacksmom4eva

I'm sorry your having a crap time op

Have you accessed any type of talk therapy or councilling for your dd?

She sounds like she's just drifting at the minute which is never a good thing for self esteem nor confidence etc or for mental health.

Maybe you could look Online together at colleges etc or on the council website where they will have sections with access to young learners and info on people to contact there.

Have you been having any type of help with therapy since your partner passed away?

The pp saying it won't be investigated are wrong. Not to worry you, but a friend was reported for benefit fraud and was innocent but still interviewed under caution so it's not something that doesn't happen . Don't make it worse for yourself and change your claim asap

Sorry for your loss OP.

I would get support from a CAB or perhaps the NAS may have benefits advisors. I'd also look into finding a solicitor who can support you if you go to an interview under caution. You need a defence that can explain your circumstances especially the bereavement and being a carer to your autistic DD.

You can also ask the benefits advisors about your DD claiming benefits. Does she get PIP? My autistic DS works one day a week and has got PIP and UC with LCWRA since he left school. He gets £691 PIP and £682 UC monthly on top of his wage. So if your DD can make a claim in her own right, it will be more money coming into the household (legitimately) which will help make up for the end of her child element on your UC claim.

Fess up they can find out sooner or later 🤔 you know,
computers do research ect

You should probably say she’s left school recently and hopefully they won’t look into it.

This will make OPs position worse. If she adds untrue information on top of what has happened the penalties will be more severe. "Hopefully they won't look into it" is asking for trouble.

Some practical advice 👍