A mother, Samantha Cardell, has admitted to fraudulently claiming over £80,000 in benefits by failing to disclose that she lived with a partner. Cardell, 39, from Salford, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, having gained the amount over five years through multiple fraudulent claims.

Initially claiming benefits legitimately as a single parent in 2007, her circumstances changed in 2014 when she began a relationship. Her partner moved in with her in 2017, a fact she concealed in her benefit claims.

On September 17, 2018, despite her partner residing with her, Cardell falsely declared herself as a single parent with three children in order to receive income support. She also claimed housing benefit, Universal Credit, tax credit, and council tax benefit between 2018 and 2022, collecting significant amounts unlawfully.

In total, she fraudulently obtained £36,964 in tax credits, £22,316 in housing benefit, £5,378 in Universal Credit, £14,751 in income support, and £3,343 in council tax benefits.

Cardell, who pleaded guilty, expressed remorse and acknowledged her mental health struggles contributed to the situation. Despite her actions, the court opted for a suspended sentence, recognizing her lack of previous convictions and her mental health issues.

Recorder Anthony O’Donohue told Cardell, “You have escaped prison today by the skin of your teeth. We don’t want to see you again.” She received a 14-month suspended sentence with community requirements.

The funds are being repaid through civil proceedings.