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Suicide after caught working on benefits

  • 09-02-2009 2:01pm
    #1
    selldot
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭


    Hi, I have a sad story to tell and would appreciate any advice.

    A relative of mine commited suicide last year after being caught working whilst on benefits. This may or may not have been the cause of his suicide, but here are the details....


    He claimed for 6 years and apparently was caught working by a fraud officer. No-one now knows if this was a regular thing he did, or a one off. We also dont know if he was being paid for the work, he died before telling anyone about it.

    Before going to court or having chance to defend himself, this man commited suicide. I am now the executor of his will, and the DSS is trying to claim over £30,000 back from the estate (NOTE - THIS IS NOT A VALUABLE ESTATE OF A RICH MAN, THIS IS JUST AN EX COUNCIL HOUSE AND IT's CONTENTS).

    I'd like to find out if there is anything I can do as the executor to stop the DSS getting this. I must admit that I dont know if the amount is correct, if he worked all the time, if his death was directly related to the DSS, or infact much more about the case. All I'm trying to do is keep the house in the hands of the family.

    Any thoughts appreciated.

    S


Comments

  • #2
    snubbleste
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 31,117 ✭✭✭✭snubbleste


    Although, i'm sympathetic with your loss, your relative did attempt to defraud the state.
    Contact a solicitor.


  • #3
    uoluol
    Closed Accounts Posts: 318 ✭✭uoluol


    I think this might be better moved to the legal forum, as it really has nothing to do with state benefits.

    Am sorry for your loss, but it's difficult to see how your relatives tragic death can be blamed on the DSS (is this the UK version of Dept of Social Welfare?). So you might get more constructive advise if you ask a mod to move to a relevant forum.


  • #4
    selldot
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭selldot


    Thanks for your comments. I will try to get it moved to the legal forum.

    Of course I understand that defrauding the state should be punished - however, should they have complete control of the amounts, and shouldn't they have to prove in a court of law that this actually happened?

    My point (and question), really is related to the fact that there was never a court case, and that no-one (living) actually knows the facts about this case. In any other circumstance a 'creditor' must prove that monies are owed, that doesnt seem to be the case with Social Security, they seem to just be able to say "you owe us 'X' " and that's it.


  • #5
    IsThatSo?
    Closed Accounts Posts: 988 ✭✭✭IsThatSo?


    Can you find out the details of the job he was found doing on the day the fraud officer caught him?

    At least then you could ask that "employer" for some details of how often he worked and he/she may even have received his name via word of mouth so you might have a trail to follow to finally figure out how much he did work.

    Its a tragic situation, I hope it works out. Def contact a solicitor, this sounds too big for you to handle as an Executor and you might have to go to court to fight the DSS on this one.


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