South Yorkshire benefit fraud, 34, pocketed £32,000 claiming partner did not live with her for two years
Laura Cunningham, 34, obtained £32,255 in benefits between March 2022 and September 2024 by falsely declaring herself a single parent to the Department of Work and Pensions. In reality, her partner lived with her continuously at her South Yorkshire home, and officers investigating her claim found two vehicles registered in his name at the property.
When questioned by police in September 2024, Cunningham cancelled her benefits claim without explanation. She pleaded guilty to fraud at the earliest opportunity and demonstrated remorse in court. The judge, noting her lack of previous convictions and good character, sentenced her to six months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, with an unpaid work requirement waived in consideration of her dependent children. She has reportedly already begun repaying the fraudulent sum.
- South Yorkshire woman defrauded £32,255 in Universal Credit over two years by falsely claiming to live alone whilst her partner resided with her full-time
- DWP investigation used surveillance and social media research to confirm the deception; she pleaded guilty and received a six-month suspended sentence