Woman given suspended sentence after falsely claiming benefits
Ana Lupu failed to declare she was living with her husband while claiming as a single person
A woman has been given a suspended prison sentence after falsely claiming benefits and council tax support in Saxmundham.
Ana Lupu, formerly of Warren Avenue, Saxmundham, admitted two offences relating to Universal Credit and council tax support claims.
The 29-year-old, now of Tuckswood in Norwich, dishonestly claimed entitlement to Universal Credit and a reduction in council tax by failing to tell the Department for Work and Pensions and East Suffolk Council that she was living with her husband in Saxmundham.
Council tax support was received from February 2021 on the basis that she was the lone parent of two dependent children, with no partner declared in the household.
Universal Credit was paid by the Department for Work and Pensions as a single person claim between July 2020 and August 2023.
A joint investigation by East Suffolk Council and the DWP was launched after a National Fraud Initiative data match linked an undeclared partner to the address.
Overpayments totalling £40,699 in Universal Credit and £2,041 in council tax support are being recovered by the DWP and East Suffolk Council, working with council tax collection and housing benefits distribution service Anglia Revenues Partnership.
Lupu was sentenced to 24 weeks' custody, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity.
She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.
She attended Norwich Magistrates' Court for sentencing on 27th August after entering guilty pleas to all charges at a previous hearing on 10th July.
Councillor Vince Langdon-Morris, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for Resources and Value for Money, said: "Benefit fraud takes money away from the public services people rely on. We will take action where there is evidence of someone dishonestly claiming support they were not entitled to.
"This case shows the importance of protecting public funds, working with partners to tackle fraud and recovering overpayments wherever possible."
A DWP spokesperson said: "Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime – it steals money from the people who need it most.
"Whatever your reasons for cheating the system, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book and will come after you.
"So, if you know someone is playing the system, turn them in."
Suspected fraud can be reported by calling 0800 515 368 or emailing [email protected] .