Thanks for the responses. I still don't know what to do. It's definitely not expenses or declared income as it's cash in hand. I suppose I should talk to her first but it's definitely dodgy.
Thanks for the responses. I still don't know what to do. It's definitely not expenses or declared income as it's cash in hand. I suppose I should talk to her first but it's definitely dodgy.
How do know who you haven't talked to her, have a chat with her, tell her your concerns
If somebody directly deprived me of £20, yes, that's theft from a person; but if somebody commits benefit fraud then in my eyes they are just trying to get what they are entitled to.
The very fact that they might be committing fraud to obtain this money suggests to me that they are, in fact, not entitled to it.
It's not really theft from me because I'm happy for my tax money to go to the needy.
To an extent I agree. I pay my taxes too and I'm more than happy for it to go towards helping the needy but bear in mind that the whole point of this discussion is that there is some question as to whether the 'friend' is actually needy. The OP has raised concerns that the friend is faking a mental illness in order to claim the benefits, which is, in my opinion, deplorable.
The very fact that they might be committing fraud to obtain this money suggests to me that they are, in fact, not entitled to it.
To an extent I agree. I pay my taxes too and I'm more than happy for it to go towards helping the needy but bear in mind that the whole point of this discussion is that there is some question as to whether the 'friend' is actually needy. The OP has raised concerns that the friend is faking a mental illness in order to claim the benefits, which is, in my opinion, deplorable.
Unless the OP is her doctor (in which case he would have no right discussing her condition online) then he can't know if she's faking or not unless she has specifically told him she is, which would be pointless and stupid on her part.
Helping disabled kids get to school is not going to be a high paid job and is typically voluntary. As many, many people have mentioned you can be paid a small amount legally while claiming. The OP has shown no proof she has gone over that limit. A job working with vulnerable children is also not just given to anyone, she would have needed crb checks etc, I don't know but it seems strange that it would be a cash in hand type job, but then I don't have experience of that.
Why do so many people on here think that someone committing fraud by working but still claiming an illness/unemployed benefit ?
Yet, are quite happy to slag off anyone on benefits and moan about how they can't afford what those on benefits can ?
Do they not think that perhaps the ones on benefits who appear to have money are those benefit cheats who they are saying should not be reported ????
Genuine people on benefits suffer because of this behaviour, they are labelled as being the same as this scum and vilified by the press and and those who are in employment, then they also get treated as if they were the ones who are committing the fraud by the DWP as well
Shame on those who commit Benefit Fraud !!!
Shame on those who encourage it by advising ignore it !!!
And Shame on those who vilify the genuine claimants !!!
Why do so many people on here think that someone committing fraud by working but still claiming an illness/unemployed benefit ?
Yet, are quite happy to slag off anyone on benefits and moan about how they can't afford what those on benefits can ?
Do they not think that perhaps the ones on benefits who appear to have money are those benefit cheats who they are saying should not be reported ????
Genuine people on benefits suffer because of this behaviour, they are labelled as being the same as this scum and vilified by the press and and those who are in employment, then they also get treated as if they were the ones who are committing the fraud by the DWP as well
Shame on those who commit Benefit Fraud !!!
Shame on those who encourage it by advising ignore it !!!
And Shame on those who vilify the genuine claimants !!!
I haven't seen the OP give any solid evidence that fraud is happening. Personally I wouldn't be happy to put a mentally ill person under pressure and investigation for volunteering with disabled kids.
I haven't seen the OP give any solid evidence that fraud is happening. Personally I wouldn't be happy to put a mentally ill person under pressure and investigation for volunteering with disabled kids.
Who will have been checked out to do this, they don't just allow you to be a escort for disabled children on a disabled minibus just like that.
Who will have been checked out to do this, they don't just allow you to be a escort for disabled children on a disabled minibus just like that.
Yes, I said that before you will have checks. Reading my post back I hope it didn't come across as me saying she shouldn't have that job, I meant it was unfair to report her for doing that job and putting her under unfair scrutiny.
BIB - what?!? You need to go to specsavers in that case. If it was what they were ENTITLED to, why would they have to been claiming it FRAUDULENTLY?
Sorry - poorly worded;
With the recent cuts to welfare there are people who have had their benefits cut or taken away completely who are completely deserving and who need benefits.
They may not be technically entitled under the law, but the law is often an ass.
As I said, I'm talking about people who are going cold and hungry without benefits. I don't really give a shit what the government thinks.. If you need to commit 'benefit fraud' to keep food in your stomach and a roof over your head then so be it.
Benefits should be universally available to all who need them. The fact many poor/vulnerable people need to lie/exaggerate on the forms and fraudulently claim them is testament to a corrupted and ridiculous system.
Lots of people seem ok with a possible case of benefit fraud.
Innocent until proven otherwise. There is no evidence in this thread to suggest the OP's "friend" is committing benefit fraud. You can legitimately claim ESA and work.
Seriously - the government should serve DS and get hold of everybody's ISP's on here and track you all down. Every person on here saying 'mind your own' and 'you're no friend' needs investigating. Any benefit fraudster is stealing from everybody else who pays taxes and should be reported. If this woman is within her rights to be paid a certain amount then no harm done.
Justification or turning a blind eye is just an admission that you are equally shady.
And it's shady fraudsters that make genuine claimants struggle. Shameless.
Underlined - Everyone pays tax. Income tax is not the only form of tax and taxation is not the only form of income for the government and welfare is not the only government spending either.
BiB - Exactly. Innocent until proven otherwise. There is nothing to suggest there is benefit fraud going on.
It's a bit like someone who's unemployed and claiming JSA having an empty 40" TV box outside their house. Some people would jump to the conclusion "how can they afford a new tv when they're unemployed? I can't and I'm working". When in reality there's many explanations, a hand me down from a friend/family member who's bought a new tv and giving them their old one, a gift, on credit, buy now pay later, competition win, paid for with savings etc.
When I say expenses I'm talking something like £5 to cover bus fare type thing. I would assume that wouldn't be against the rules, however, if it was then I go back to my first comment in which case I would report her.
Even if 'just' £5, it all adds up.
I admittedly don't know much about benefits as I'm never claimed anyway. That includes all these tax credits I've seen mentioned too- never claimed any of them either.
There was a period when I would have probably been entitled to claim, but to claim never even crossed my mind. I cut back on everything and got a stop gap job until something I was really wanting to do came along.
Benefits are there for the short term, and the concept behind them I fully support. They are and should only been seen as a relief type thing when desperate and until you can get yourself back on your feet. Obviously if somebody is ill and cannot work that's another matter entirely.
It shows.
Child tax credits and/or can be claimed for 16-19 years.
If you don't know about something, why talk about it as if you know all the facts? It'd be like me trying to talk about football and explain the off side rule. I'd make myself look stupid as I don't have a clue!
Why do so many people on here think that someone committing fraud by working but still claiming an illness/unemployed benefit ?
Yet, are quite happy to slag off anyone on benefits and moan about how they can't afford what those on benefits can ?
Do they not think that perhaps the ones on benefits who appear to have money are those benefit cheats who they are saying should not be reported ???? Genuine people on benefits suffer because of this behaviour, they are labelled as being the same as this scum and vilified by the press and and those who are in employment, then they also get treated as if they were the ones who are committing the fraud by the DWP as well
Shame on those who commit Benefit Fraud !!!
Shame on those who encourage it by advising ignore it !!!
And Shame on those who vilify the genuine claimants !!!
Because you can work and claim those benefits. there are rule. For example, with JSA you can work upto 16hours a week and still claim. Anything you earn over £5 gets deducted off the JSA and if you earn work than JSA +£5 in a week, you don't get anything.
You're second point makes no sense.
The unemployed and claiming JSA are vilified by the government and media thanks to their propaganda. Someone claiming £56 or £71 a week (JSA depending on age) isn't living in luxury.
It is not benefit claimants vs "hardworking taxpayer". A lot of beenfits are paid to those in work.
But claiming to not be able to work and support yourself because of depression and then working 5 days a week and being paid for it is ridiculous! Isn't it? It's just so stupid.
But claiming to not be able to work and support yourself because of depression and then working 5 days a week and being paid for it is ridiculous! Isn't it? It's just so stupid.
Do you know the exact hours she works and the money she is paid? How do you know it isn't expenses or below the allowed amount? If it bothers you that much ask her about it and get the full facts. If she is actually doing something illegal you can warn her of the consequences.
Volunteering, helping others and getting out of the house can be a important step to recovery. Sitting at home all day is not helpful for depression.
But claiming to not be able to work and support yourself because of depression and then working 5 days a week and being paid for it is ridiculous! Isn't it? It's just so stupid.
It's voluntary work, which isn't the same as a job because the standards that have to be achieved for voluntary work are much lower, which is why people aren't paid for it.
Please, if you value kindness and decency at all, be gentle with any person with depression or any other mental illness, as they can be extremely fragile. I'm not talking about getting hysterical for a few hours or a couple of days. I'm talking about completely breaking down in health irrecoverably or with very serious affects such as long term agoraphobia or suicide. I'm talking about someone going through absolute hell and beyond because they are already battling demons in their mind so cannot cope with any more mental stress and strain.
Also ask yourself if anyone claiming benefits would tell someone who knew they were on ESA that they had a job, unless it was innocent. Especially if they have a depressive illness as I'm sure they already find it hard enough to cope with life's stresses and problems without taking on something very risky like committing benefit fraud to worry about.
But claiming to not be able to work and support yourself because of depression and then working 5 days a week and being paid for it is ridiculous! Isn't it? It's just so stupid.
You clearly have no idea what ESA is and how and why it can be claimed and whther you can work or not whilst claiming it.
But claiming to not be able to work and support yourself because of depression and then working 5 days a week and being paid for it is ridiculous! Isn't it? It's just so stupid.
why is it stupid, i suffer from depression and im on esa, i do 3 hours a week voluntary work in the local park, gets me out of the house, give me something to concentrate on other than the thoughts in my head, gives me something take up all my anger frustration out on , gives me a reason to go out and it is something for me to look forward to in the week, am looking to do some more soon
this voluntary work your "friend" is doing is as overs have said is part of the recovery
But claiming to not be able to work and support yourself because of depression and then working 5 days a week and being paid for it is ridiculous! Isn't it? It's just so stupid.
I don't understand why this bothers you so much?
Without being rude, have you considered taking up a hobby yourself?
Oh and this woman lied her way in to a woman's shelter when she left her husband, by claiming he beat her. She actually told me this before anyone has a go at me.
Oh and this woman lied her way in to a woman's shelter when she left her husband, by claiming he beat her. She actually told me this before anyone has a go at me.
talk to her instead of going on at her behind her back
Oh and this woman lied her way in to a woman's shelter when she left her husband, by claiming he beat her. She actually told me this before anyone has a go at me.
ok, this woman is not a 'friend' at all is she? LOL.
Comments
A moron is worse than both.
How do know who you haven't talked to her, have a chat with her, tell her your concerns
The very fact that they might be committing fraud to obtain this money suggests to me that they are, in fact, not entitled to it.
To an extent I agree. I pay my taxes too and I'm more than happy for it to go towards helping the needy but bear in mind that the whole point of this discussion is that there is some question as to whether the 'friend' is actually needy. The OP has raised concerns that the friend is faking a mental illness in order to claim the benefits, which is, in my opinion, deplorable.
Unless the OP is her doctor (in which case he would have no right discussing her condition online) then he can't know if she's faking or not unless she has specifically told him she is, which would be pointless and stupid on her part.
Helping disabled kids get to school is not going to be a high paid job and is typically voluntary. As many, many people have mentioned you can be paid a small amount legally while claiming. The OP has shown no proof she has gone over that limit. A job working with vulnerable children is also not just given to anyone, she would have needed crb checks etc, I don't know but it seems strange that it would be a cash in hand type job, but then I don't have experience of that.
Yet, are quite happy to slag off anyone on benefits and moan about how they can't afford what those on benefits can ?
Do they not think that perhaps the ones on benefits who appear to have money are those benefit cheats who they are saying should not be reported ????
Genuine people on benefits suffer because of this behaviour, they are labelled as being the same as this scum and vilified by the press and and those who are in employment, then they also get treated as if they were the ones who are committing the fraud by the DWP as well
Shame on those who commit Benefit Fraud !!!
Shame on those who encourage it by advising ignore it !!!
And Shame on those who vilify the genuine claimants !!!
I haven't seen the OP give any solid evidence that fraud is happening. Personally I wouldn't be happy to put a mentally ill person under pressure and investigation for volunteering with disabled kids.
Who will have been checked out to do this, they don't just allow you to be a escort for disabled children on a disabled minibus just like that.
Yes, I said that before you will have checks. Reading my post back I hope it didn't come across as me saying she shouldn't have that job, I meant it was unfair to report her for doing that job and putting her under unfair scrutiny.
Sorry - poorly worded;
With the recent cuts to welfare there are people who have had their benefits cut or taken away completely who are completely deserving and who need benefits.
They may not be technically entitled under the law, but the law is often an ass.
As I said, I'm talking about people who are going cold and hungry without benefits. I don't really give a shit what the government thinks.. If you need to commit 'benefit fraud' to keep food in your stomach and a roof over your head then so be it.
Benefits should be universally available to all who need them. The fact many poor/vulnerable people need to lie/exaggerate on the forms and fraudulently claim them is testament to a corrupted and ridiculous system.
Innocent until proven otherwise. There is no evidence in this thread to suggest the OP's "friend" is committing benefit fraud. You can legitimately claim ESA and work.
Underlined - Everyone pays tax. Income tax is not the only form of tax and taxation is not the only form of income for the government and welfare is not the only government spending either.
BiB - Exactly. Innocent until proven otherwise. There is nothing to suggest there is benefit fraud going on.
It's a bit like someone who's unemployed and claiming JSA having an empty 40" TV box outside their house. Some people would jump to the conclusion "how can they afford a new tv when they're unemployed? I can't and I'm working". When in reality there's many explanations, a hand me down from a friend/family member who's bought a new tv and giving them their old one, a gift, on credit, buy now pay later, competition win, paid for with savings etc.
Exactly, innocent until proven otherwise. Some seem to have forgotten that in this thread.
It shows.
Child tax credits and/or can be claimed for 16-19 years.
If you don't know about something, why talk about it as if you know all the facts? It'd be like me trying to talk about football and explain the off side rule. I'd make myself look stupid as I don't have a clue!
Because you can work and claim those benefits. there are rule. For example, with JSA you can work upto 16hours a week and still claim. Anything you earn over £5 gets deducted off the JSA and if you earn work than JSA +£5 in a week, you don't get anything.
You're second point makes no sense.
The unemployed and claiming JSA are vilified by the government and media thanks to their propaganda. Someone claiming £56 or £71 a week (JSA depending on age) isn't living in luxury.
It is not benefit claimants vs "hardworking taxpayer". A lot of beenfits are paid to those in work.
Benefits bill in a pie chart - http://m.ippr.org/articles/56/8893/budget-2012-breaking-down-the-benefits-bill
Do you know the exact hours she works and the money she is paid? How do you know it isn't expenses or below the allowed amount? If it bothers you that much ask her about it and get the full facts. If she is actually doing something illegal you can warn her of the consequences.
Volunteering, helping others and getting out of the house can be a important step to recovery. Sitting at home all day is not helpful for depression.
It's voluntary work, which isn't the same as a job because the standards that have to be achieved for voluntary work are much lower, which is why people aren't paid for it.
Please, if you value kindness and decency at all, be gentle with any person with depression or any other mental illness, as they can be extremely fragile. I'm not talking about getting hysterical for a few hours or a couple of days. I'm talking about completely breaking down in health irrecoverably or with very serious affects such as long term agoraphobia or suicide. I'm talking about someone going through absolute hell and beyond because they are already battling demons in their mind so cannot cope with any more mental stress and strain.
Also ask yourself if anyone claiming benefits would tell someone who knew they were on ESA that they had a job, unless it was innocent. Especially if they have a depressive illness as I'm sure they already find it hard enough to cope with life's stresses and problems without taking on something very risky like committing benefit fraud to worry about.
You clearly have no idea what ESA is and how and why it can be claimed and whther you can work or not whilst claiming it.
About ESA from the government website here - https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
It tells you what it's for, who can claim, the amounts that can be claimed and whther you can work or not.
Learn about it, then form an opinion.
I used this years ago for a very low paid part time job, I earn''t enough to be worth doing it but not enough to effect benefits.
Yes I did have pay slips and yet the UB people saw them.
£1.50 p/h delivering cars
why is it stupid, i suffer from depression and im on esa, i do 3 hours a week voluntary work in the local park, gets me out of the house, give me something to concentrate on other than the thoughts in my head, gives me something take up all my anger frustration out on , gives me a reason to go out and it is something for me to look forward to in the week, am looking to do some more soon
this voluntary work your "friend" is doing is as overs have said is part of the recovery
as i said before, talk to her
Yes, I don't get that either
I don't understand why this bothers you so much?
Without being rude, have you considered taking up a hobby yourself?
talk to her instead of going on at her behind her back
ok, this woman is not a 'friend' at all is she? LOL.