The cost of benefit fraud

The estimated level of benefit fraud has reduced from £60.9 million back in 2001. It is estimated that in 2011, £19.4 million of public money was lost through benefit fraud. This figure is made up of:

£4.6m – Income Support
£2.9m – Jobseeker’s Allowance
£3.0m – State Pension Credit
£6.1m – Incapacity Benefit
£1.0m – Employment and Support Allowance
£1.3m – Carer’s Allowance
£0.5m – Instrument of Payment (cheque) fraud

It is also estimated that a further £3.2m was lost through Housing Benefit fraud.

It’s in everyone’s interest to report benefit fraud. In some cases those who commit benefit fraud can receive other benefits known as passport benefits, such as dental treatment and free school meals for their children. All of these losses are a huge drain on the public purse and could be put to much better use in areas such as health, education, transport, policing, and for the general good of the community.

People who commit benefit fraud are stealing money from some of the most poor and vulnerable people in our society including those who receive benefits.

We take benefit fraud very seriously and continue to work very hard to tackle the problem. We can do this much more effectively with your help. You can report a benefit thief online