In Salford, Greater Manchester, 36-year-old Sumira Amin has been convicted of fraudulently claiming £56,124 in Universal Credit between 2019 and 2022. She falsely declared that she was living alone with her children in rented accommodation, with no savings or property. In reality, she co-owned a house in Salford and lived there with her partner, who is also the father of her children.
An investigation by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) uncovered that Amin had deliberately concealed her true financial and living situation. Initially, she denied any wrongdoing when questioned by investigators, but later admitted to holding two undeclared bank accounts and a savings account.
During the hearing at Manchester Crown Court, the judge acknowledged that Amin was not the "mastermind" behind the fraud, suggesting that she may have acted under pressure from her partner. This mitigating factor was taken into account during sentencing.
Amin was sentenced to 12 months of community service and ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation days. She has also been instructed to repay the full amount she wrongly received, with a hearing scheduled for February 2026 to determine the repayment plan.
This case highlights the UK government’s ongoing efforts to combat benefit fraud, while also considering the personal circumstances and potential vulnerabilities of those involved.