Benefits cheat had £37k after finding work
A WOMAN fraudulently claimed more than £37,000 after finding a job.
Susan Hayes, 63, claimed employment support allowance (ESA) for a period of six years which she was not entitled to following a change in her circumstances.
Between February 14, 2013 and February 8, 2019, Hayes claimed a total of £37,500 and failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) about her change in employment. During the period of her offending she lived in Ferndale.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard the defendant’s claim was initially genuine but from the beginning of 2013 her claim was fraudulent.
Sentencing, Judge Jeremy Jenkins said: “There is an element of greed because since 2013 your bi-monthly payment was in the region of £1,300.
“That money is for people who need it and those who do not qualify for it deprive others who are entitled to that money.
“These days money is extremely tight, especially from the public purse.”
Hayes, now of Silvertree Walk, East Riding of Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances.
Defence barrister Scott Bowen said his client had not realised she was not entitled to those benefits but had contacted the DWP after she became aware of the matter.
Judge Jenkins sentenced Hayes to an 18-month community order.
She was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and to pay £450 in court costs.