Despite being imprisoned, convicted criminals are reportedly receiving hundreds of pounds in benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Universal Credit is a government benefit that assists people with their living expenses. Those on a low income or who are unemployed are among those who are eligible for the payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, some inmates continue to receive the monthly benefit even though they are ineligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a 12-week sentence for drunk driving at Belmarsh Prison, one prisoner claimed to have received \u00a31,470 in benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recently released man claimed that others in the same prison were also receiving such benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It’s common in jail,” he revealed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Three hardened criminals on my wing were receiving benefits. One received his for ten months.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the Department of Work and Pensions stated that there may be “rare cases” where people receive benefits who should not, claiming that overpayments are eventually recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“In rare cases where a change of circumstances is not immediately processed, records can be updated at a later date and overpayments recovered,” according to the DWP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The payment error comes as the UK’s cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, with many households struggling to pay their monthly bills.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Despite being imprisoned, convicted criminals are reportedly receiving hundreds of pounds in benefits. Universal Credit is a government benefit that assists people with their living expenses. Those on a low … <\/p>\n