An Erith woman has been sentenced after she admitted cheating the benefits system by dishonestly claiming housing and support payments while she was a student.
Gaye Graham, 59, submitted claims for both Employment and Support Allowance (ELA) and housing benefit in which she failed to notify the Department for Work and Pensions that at the time she was enrolled as a student and was in receipt of student finance.
Most students cannot claim either benefit while in full-time education. There are some exceptions including being aged under 21, being responsible for a child, or living with a partner who is eligible for Universal Credit.
Graham pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting entitlement.
The offending all took place between November 2023 and April 2025.
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At Bexley Magistrates’ Court on August 28, she was sentenced to a one-year community order.
She was ordered to pay a £100 fine.
She was also told to pay a £154 surcharge to fund victim services.
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