Erith woman sentenced for benefits fraud
Gaye Graham failed to declare student status while claiming housing and support payments.
Incident → evidence → outcomeGaye Graham, 59, of Erith, has been sentenced for dishonestly claiming housing benefit and Employment and Support Allowance. She failed to declare her student status and receipt of student finance to the Department for Work and Pensions between November 2023 and April 2025.
Graham pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting entitlement. Most students are not eligible for these benefits while in full-time education, with exceptions for those under 21, responsible for a child, or living with a partner eligible for Universal Credit.
Court Sentencing
At Bexley Magistrates’ Court on August 28, Graham was sentenced to a one-year community order. She was also ordered to pay a £100 fine and a £154 surcharge to fund victim services.
Questions this report answers
01What did Gaye Graham do?
Gaye Graham dishonestly claimed housing benefit and Employment and Support Allowance between November 2023 and April 2025. She failed to declare that she was a student and receiving student finance, which made her ineligible for these payments.
02What was the sentence for Gaye Graham?
On August 28, Gaye Graham was sentenced at Bexley Magistrates’ Court to a one-year community order. She was also fined £100 and ordered to pay a £154 surcharge for victim services.
03Why are students usually not eligible for these benefits?
Most students cannot claim Employment and Support Allowance or housing benefit while in full-time education. There are specific exceptions, such as if the student is under 21, responsible for a child, or living with a partner who receives Universal Credit.
Support is available without a police report
Find London services, specialist support and the rights set out in the Victims’ Code. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Find victim supportSend a correction or case update
If a hearing, charge or outcome has changed, send the court, case number and source document so we can update the record.
Contact the deskContinue the investigation
Fraud & CybercrimeHotelier Richard Courtenay jailed for £450k Covid loan fraud
LatestMan who harassed MP Stella Creasy on Tube avoids jail
CourtsMP Stella Creasy harassed on Victoria Line train
CourtsEnfield woman banned from Lakeside centre for three years