A 41-year-old mother from Salford has admitted to defrauding the benefits system of more than £75,000 while concealing that she was living with her working partner.
Kelly Clews entered guilty pleas to five counts of fraud by false representation at Manchester Crown Court after claiming her boyfriend Matthew Corbett had become homeless following their separation.
In reality, the couple continued to share a home and even took holidays together to Pontins during the period she was receiving overpayments.
Clews maintained to investigators that she and Mr Corbett were "not a full-on relationship" and that they "just shared kids".
The court heard that despite periods when the pair were estranged, they resided together throughout her fraudulent claims.
Over the five-year period from 2018 to 2023, Clews obtained payments from multiple bodies by misrepresenting her living arrangements.
The mother-of-four received Universal Credit and income support from the Department for Work and Pensions, tax credits from HMRC, and council tax support from Salford council.
Prosecutor Katy Appleton outlined that the total sum reached £75,000, comprising more than £42,420 in Universal Credit, £9,500 in income support, £8,097 in housing benefit, £12,850 in tax credits, and a £2,207 council tax reduction.
The court was told that some of Mr Corbett's wages were deposited directly into Clews' bank account, yet she could not explain this arrangement when questioned.
Ms Appleton noted that Clews would have qualified for certain benefits had she declared her circumstances accurately.
When interviewed by DWP officers in January 2024, Clews acknowledged she understood her obligation to report changes in her circumstances.
However, she claimed Mr Corbett merely visited regularly rather than residing at her address.
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Ms Appleton told the court that while Clews insisted her partner was homeless, he was registered with both his GP and hospital at her Gus Risman Street address.
Judge Sarah Johnston opted against immediate custody, citing Clews' mental health difficulties and her responsibilities caring for her partner and children.
The judge remarked: "Benefits available to our communities are limited, and they are to be distributed fairly, only if those applying are honest and open about their financial circumstances."
Clews received a 48-week sentence suspended for 18 months.
She is also required to undertake eight rehabilitation activity days, a 12-month mental health treatment programme, and 60 hours of unpaid work.
Minister for Transformation Andrew Western issued a stark warning following the sentencing.
He declared that those who cheat the benefits system are "taking from their neighbours and communities."
The minister emphasised that Clews had chosen to deceive authorities on multiple occasions throughout her fraudulent claims.
"Let this be a warning to others, we will continue working together across organisations to catch criminals, and there will be consequences," Mr Western stated.
Mark Friend, representing Clews in mitigation, told the court his client faced "complex circumstances" that she would now need to manage under considerable financial pressure.
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