Benfit Fraud

[boona]

My sister has been caught for benefit fraud, she is a single parent with a young child. She has been told she will have to pay all the money back plus thay are taking her to court. The amount she owes is less than £3000, If she is given community service, who is expected to look after her child?

[boona]

This is the problem but like Society said, its not the childs fault, I feel sorry for him but like you said she will never learn. I just dont know what to do for the best. She is always stressed and swearing at the poor child.

[PipinHull]

Prison sentences do happen but these are very particular circumstances:

http://tinyurl.com/6df3vxw

[cazzz1975]

you have to let her live her life, you can then live yours

[society]

If you could help the child, help him out. Don't let him pay for this mother's poor ways.

[boona]

I really agree with you but its hard and If I ignore her then I feel riddled with guilt. Its a no win situation for me!

[Aqualung]

She may get a fine, Have a read what Chris Grayling has to say
Remember he knows a lot about fiddling , although only living about 15 miles from Parliament he had a flat in London which he claimed well over £100,000 for plus many other expenses. What a nice man to speak about benefit fraud.

http://www.theyworkfo...d=2010-12-01a.24720.h

[cazzz1975]

its self imposed guilt, you have to let your sister lead her own life and sort out her own problems. in the end you will be happier and she will be more independent and probably a better parent for doing it herself.

[tamborine]

Being in care traumatises some kids and that could rebound on you if your child wanted companionship with her cousin.

If you cared for the kid it would learn acceptable behaviour from you.

[sherrardk]

You're stuck between a rock and a hard place really. Who do you think would look after the child if you didn't (if she is given community service)?

[cazzz1975]

the court will make some childcare provision if they enforced community service, its highly doubtful she would get community service, she will get a slap on the wrist and an agreement to pay back money owed at best

I would bet money on it

[boona]

I have no idea Sherrardk? This is why I worry.

[boona]

Thanks Cazz, I havent seen the court letter but she mentioned something about a £500 fine.

[sherrardk]

It must be a worry - you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. Maybe you need to wait and see what the outcome of any court case is and then have a 'discussion' with your sister?

[joko]

even if you would intend to take on the child, i would allow her to think you wont until the absolute last minute - court cases etc usually take a good while to get through so give her the chance to really fret and worry and perhaps that time spent in turmoil will be enough to help her change her ways