Six convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast court

Six people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates’ court today for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

A 44 year old Belfast man claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £2,279 while failing to declare he was working. He was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £16.

A 30 year old was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £96.

A 49 yeaar old Belfast man claimed Income Support and Carers’ Allowance totalling £8,833 while failing to declare he was working. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

A man claimed Income Support and Carers’ Allowance totalling £4,090 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

A 34 year old woman claimed Income Support totalling £3,309 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

A 28 year old Belfast man claimed Income Support and Carers’ Allowance totalling £3,165 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £400.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.