In UK: Is social security fraud and housing benefit fraud the same thing?

[Janet]

I have found two letters in our files about my husband. One is from the Jobcentre saying he was convicted of social security fraud and the other one is from the local borough council saying he must repay a £1500 overpayment in housing benefit. What are these offences exactly?
would that be two separate counts of fraud? one for social security and one for housing benefit?

[sunny day due oct 30th]

i think it would mean he has been receiving benefits that he was not entitled to, if he was claiming income support or something like that he would also get housing benefit as well and now he has been convicted of it he has to pay all the money back

[sunny day due oct 30th]

i think it would mean he has been receiving benefits that he was not entitled to, if he was claiming income support or something like that he would also get housing benefit as well and now he has been convicted of it he has to pay all the money back

[Mr-K-]

yes-Fraud is Fraud.

[Denise]

He's been claiming and receiving benefits to which he was not entitled or embellishing his claim. They are serious offences and not to be taken lightly and could involve a prison sentence.

Sorry but... hope this helps and things turn out ok or you and your family. :-)

[london cowboy]

it could be linked, if the housing benefit are over paying him to much money because he gave false information & they found out, then it was fraudgulent so may have gone on his jobcenter information aswell! they are all kinda linked.

[LadyMoonlight!!]

Social Security = Benefits (Jobseekers' Allowance, Incapacity Benefit etc). this is paid by the Government.

Housing Benefit is paid by the local Council.

Sounds like he has received both unlawfully and has been caught out. Oops. Better pay up.

[LadyMoonlight!!]

Social Security = Benefits (Jobseekers' Allowance, Incapacity Benefit etc). this is paid by the Government.

Housing Benefit is paid by the local Council.

Sounds like he has received both unlawfully and has been caught out. Oops. Better pay up.

[romanirose]

No - Whist both are awarded by ways of means testing and therefore income based, you may be eligible for Housing benefit but not necessarily eligible for SS benefits.

Housing benefit is awarded to persons based on income alone and graded accordingly - so if you are be entitled to some Housing benefit for low income this will be paid directly by the Housing Benefit section of the Council to the Council Rent section.
But if you are on full benefits and have no income the full amount of Housing benefit is awarded to you, the claimant, and is paid to the Council Rent section via the Council Benefit section on behalf of the Social Secuity Benefit agency.