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Unemployment Benefits and Sickness Benefits: Fraud

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 6 March 2025UIN 33889

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have been sanctioned for claiming unemployment or sickness benefits whilst working and not declaring hours.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

The department does not typically issue sanctions in these circumstances and a fraud or error penalty would instead be considered, where appropriate.

We always encourage individuals to notify the department when a change of circumstances occurs, to avoid incurring a penalty. Instructions on how to inform us of any changes can be found here: Benefits: report a change in your circumstances - GOV.UK

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