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Report a benefit cheat

Tell us about people who might be committing benefit fraud.

You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you meet one of the following criteria: 

  • You are single and of state pension credit qualifying age, or
  • Part of a couple and are both of state pension credit qualifying age, or
  • Part of a couple and been continuously receiving Pension Credit since at least 14/05/19
  • You can find your Pension Credit qualifying age using Check your state pension age
  • Live in supported accommodation
  • Have been placed in temporary accommodation by the Local Authority

If not you need to claim Universal Credit Opens in a new window for help with paying your rent.

Benefit fraud is when a person receives more than they are entitled to by knowingly or dishonestly withholding or falsifying information about their claim. This also applies to someone who receives benefit for another person - such as an appointee, a landlord or landlords agent.

If you think someone is committing benefit fraud, it is important you contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Telephone the DWP's National Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. Alternatively, you can fill in the DWP's online anonymous referral form.

  Report benefit fraud Opens in a new window 

This page was last updated on 06/10/2025 14:21:49

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