Ana Lupu, 29, formerly of Warren Avenue in Saxmundham and now living in Tuckswood, Norwich, was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months, at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on August 27.
She pleaded guilty to two offences of dishonestly claiming Universal Credit and council tax support.
The offences related to her failure to declare that she was living with her husband, which resulted in overpayments of £40,699 in Universal Credit and £2,041 in council tax support between July 2020 and August 2023.
Vince Langdon-Morris, cabinet member for resources and value for money at East Suffolk Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)
Vince Langdon-Morris, cabinet member for resources and value for money at East Suffolk Council, said: “Benefit fraud takes money away from the public services people rely on.
“We will take action where there is evidence of someone dishonestly claiming support they were not entitled to.
“This case shows the importance of protecting public funds, working with partners to tackle fraud and recovering overpayments wherever possible.”
The fraud was uncovered following a joint investigation by East Suffolk Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), prompted by a National Fraud Initiative data match that identified an undeclared partner at the address.
Ms Lupu had been receiving council tax support since February 2021 on the basis that she was a lone parent.
The DWP and East Suffolk Council are now working with Anglia Revenues Partnership to recover the overpaid funds.
A DWP spokesperson said: “Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime – it steals money from the people who need it most.
“Whatever your reasons for cheating the system, know that our investigators are wise to every trick in the book and will come after you.
“So, if you know someone is playing the system, turn them in.”
Ms Lupu was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation activity and pay a victim surcharge of £154.