If you suspect any type of benefit fraud you can report it to the National Benefit Fraud hotline.

Benefit fraud is a crime. Benefit fraud includes being dishonest in order to get benefits, or deliberately not telling us:

  • you are now living with a partner
  • about any savings or not telling us the right amount
  • children have left home
  • you have started work, or about any earnings
  • you have inherited money
  • you are going abroad, living abroad, or have changed address.

How we fight fraud

We also collaborate with HMRC in matching data held on our claims with data held by them in relation to real time earnings amounts.

We receive Real Time Information (RTI) from HM Revenue and Customs for occupational and private pensions and annuities. 

Universal Credit sends us monthly updates about changes to UC payments for those claiming UC and Council Tax Support.

If you or your partner has had a change in income or any other circumstances which may affect your claim, you must let us know. See our Reporting changes for more information.

Contact us

For more details about our opening hours and how to contact us, go to Merton Benefits Service contact page.

Related websites

Benefit fraud (GOV.UK)