Savings in benefits clampdown

Those convicted have been ordered to pay the cash back

A clampdown on benefit cheats in Northern Ireland has saved £3m in taxpayers' money, the Social Security Agency has said.

The agency revealed it prosecuted 340 people for benefit fraud last year, while more than 4,500 cases were investigated.

Those convicted have been ordered to pay back the money they obtained illegally, the agency said on Tuesday.

Prosecutions included a Bangor woman who was convicted of fraudulently receiving £23,000 in income support over a period of seven years.

She did not tell the agency she was living with her partner, and knowingly cashed cheques to which she was not entitled. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay back the money.

Those who steal money from the system must realize that we are determined to flush them out and take them to court where necessary

Chris Thompson
Social Security Agency

An Antrim woman was also prosecuted for fraudulently claiming income support and housing benefit amounting to almost £4,000.

She was sentenced to six months probation, incurred the court costs and was required to repay the money.

Chris Thompson, Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency, said prosecutions and investigations would continue as part of the agency's commitment to safeguard public funds.

He said: "While we are committed to providing financial help and security to those who deserve and are entitled to help, we will not tolerate abuse of a welfare system that is designed to protect the most vulnerable in society.

"Those who steal money from the system must realize that we are determined to flush them out and take them to court where necessary."