A BENEFIT fraudster posed as a single mum to con £7,400 from the taxpayer.

Joanna Holstein, aged 23, was living in Essex Close, Worcester, when she pretended to be a single mum even though she was living with her partner. 

Holstein, now of Wilton Avenue, Hereford, was successfully prosecuted in a court case brought jointly by Worcester City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

From May 2011, Holstein claimed Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit in respect of the property she formerly rented in Essex Close. She stated in her applications that she was a lone parent and that she did not work.

The joint investigation found that Holstein had failed to declare that she was living together with her partner at the same address. He was working full-time while she was claiming benefits. Interviewed about the matter in May 2012, Holstein admitted that although she and her partner had split, they reconciled soon afterwards in July 2011. However, she failed to inform either the DWP or the council of this change.

The investigation found that Holstein had claimed overpayments of £3,039.21 in Income Support and a total of £4,375.22 in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. This is a total of £7,414.43 in overpaid benefits.

The case was heard at Worcester Magistrates Court on May 29, where Holstein pleaded guilty to charges of failing to report changes in her circumstances.

Magistrates fined Holstein £150 and ordered her to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Holstein was also ordered to fully repay all the benefits to which she was not entitled. Some repayments have already been made. Nick Jefferies, Head of the South Worcestershire Revenues and Benefits Service, said: “We consider benefit fraud to be a serious matter. People have a duty to notify us and report any change in circumstances when it comes to matters that might affect benefit payments, just as we have a duty to protect public funds.”

If you are claiming housing or council tax benefits and are unsure as to whether or not you are still entitled to receive them, contact Worcester City Council on 01905 822744 for advice.