A woman from Wales has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming more than £27,000 in benefits after inheriting a significant sum from her father's estate.
Failure to Declare a Major Change
Susan Rouse, 63, from Barry, continued to receive Universal Credit payments after her father died in April 2022. The key fact she withheld from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was that she had inherited his entire estate, valued at £120,000.
Rouse was legally obligated to inform the DWP of this change in her financial circumstances, an requirement she had acknowledged signing documents for. By not doing so, her initially legitimate benefit claim turned into a fraudulent one.
The Fraudulent Claims and Sentencing
Over a period of just under two years, Rouse received over £27,000 in Universal Credit to which she was no longer entitled. The court heard that upon receiving the inheritance, she used the money to buy a car and distribute funds among her family.
Appearing at Cardiff Magistrates' Court, Rouse had previously pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify the DWP of a change affecting her benefit entitlement. In mitigation, her solicitor, Kirsten Murphy, stated Rouse was "utterly ashamed," had no previous convictions, and had already repaid £9,000 of the overpayment.
Judge's Condemnation and Final Outcome
Sentencing Rouse, Judge Lucy Crowther told the defendant her actions were "callous" and "selfish." The judge emphasised that Rouse knew full well her Universal Credit would stop if she reported the inheritance.
Rouse was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal duty to report any change in circumstances to the DWP promptly.
