Welling mother ordered to repay £30,242 after Universal Credit fraud
Natasha Goshawk claimed benefits for three children no longer in her care over six years
Incident → evidence → outcomeNatasha Goshawk, 26, of Tyrell Avenue in Welling, has been ordered to repay £30,242 after admitting to fraudulently claiming Universal Credit. The offence involved falsely stating that three children lived with her between August 2019 and October 2025, despite the children having been removed from her care by social services.
Court hears details of the fraud
Goshawk appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on 2 September 2026 for sentencing. Prosecutor Alex Matthews told the court that she had dishonestly claimed benefits for three children who were no longer in her care. The first child was subject to an emergency care order in 2018, and two more children were later removed.
Despite this, Goshawk continued to claim Universal Credit as if the children were living with her. The overpayment totalled £30,242.27 over six years. When interviewed by DWP fraud investigators in October 2025, she answered "no comment" to all questions. She later pleaded guilty at Bromley Magistrates’ Court in July 2026.
Defence and sentencing
Gabriella Friend, defending, said Goshawk had been influenced by associates and described herself as gullible. Friend added that Goshawk has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism, which affected her decision-making. She had been claiming benefits and received social housing before the birth of her first child.
“Essentially, you were claiming Universal Credit at a level for someone that had the care of three children when in fact you didn’t have any children in your care.”
Judge Daniel Dyal said the claim was fraudulent from the outset and continued for a long period. He sentenced Goshawk to 20 weeks in custody, suspended for one year. She must also complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities. Goshawk is currently repaying the overpayment at £63 per month, deducted from her Universal Credit.
What happens next
Goshawk will remain on a suspended sentence for one year. If she complies with the rehabilitation requirements and continues repaying the overpayment, she will avoid immediate custody. The DWP will continue to monitor her Universal Credit claims to ensure compliance with the terms of her sentence.
Questions this report answers
01How much did Natasha Goshawk fraudulently claim?
Goshawk claimed £30,242.27 in Universal Credit over six years by falsely stating three children lived with her. The overpayment was for children who had been removed from her care by social services.
02What was Natasha Goshawk’s sentence?
Goshawk received a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for one year. She must complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities and repay the overpayment at £63 per month.
03How is Natasha Goshawk repaying the overpayment?
Goshawk is repaying the £30,242.27 at £63 per month, deducted directly from her Universal Credit. The repayment plan is part of her sentence and monitored by the DWP.
04Why were the children no longer in Natasha Goshawk’s care?
Goshawk’s first son was subject to an emergency care order in 2018. Two more children were later removed from her care, but she continued to claim benefits as if they lived with her.
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