Fraud publications

Code of Practice for Data Matching (PDF 540KB)
applies to data matching carried out by the Department for Social Development and its executive agencies. It explains why we use data matching, processes involved and the safeguards in place to ensure our data matching conforms to law. It describes actions taken where a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of a data matching exercise. The Code is not intended to be a full or authoritative statement or interpretation of the law.

Footnote

- "In paragraph 11.6 of the Code of Practice for Data Matching the address given as that for the Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency has changed and should now be read as "Chief Executive, Social Security Agency. The Lighthouse Building, 1 Cromac Place, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2JB"".

Code of Practice on Obtaining Information from employers, contractors, the self-employed, pension schemes and licensing authorities (Word 184KB)
directs Authorised Officers on their use of powers to obtain information to:
- establish if benefit is, or was, correctly payable to an individual;
- investigate circumstances of accidents, or injuries or diseases that give rise to claims for Industrial Injuries benefit or other relevant social security benefit;
- establish whether provisions of relevant Social Security legislation have been, are being, or are likely to be, contravened; and
- prevent, detect and secure evidence of the commission of benefit offences.

Footnote:-

"In paragraph 40 of the Code of Practice for Obtaining information from employers, contractors, the self-employed, pension schemes, and licensing authorities and in the leaflet appended to that document the address given for the Manager of Benefit Investigation Services and the Head of Benefit Security Services has changed and should now be read as "Lesley Exchange (1), 24 East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3NR". Also in the leaflet the address given for the Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency should now be read as "Chief Executive, Social Security Agency. The Lighthouse Building, 1 Cromac Place, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2JB"".

Code of Practice on Obtaining Information (PDF 73KB)
provides guidance to staff authorised under law to obtain information from certain listed organisations on behalf of the Department for Social Development in connection with benefit offences. The organisations include banks, credit unions, building societies and insurance companies and the type of information requested might relate to income or capital amounts owned by a person the subject of a benefit claim.

Footnote:-

"In paragraph 5.13 of the Code of Practice for Obtaining Information the address given for the Manager of Benefit Investigation Services and the Head of Benefit Security Services has changed and should now be read as "Lesley Exchange (1), 24 East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3NR".

The Social Security Agency Fraud Policy Statement October 2008 (Word 485KB)
sets out the Agency’s high level policy in relation to fraud. The Statement promotes awareness of various aspects for recognising and responding to fraud and of the need to maintain a working environment that encourages staff at all levels to actively participate in protecting public resources.
The Social Security Agency External Fraud Response Plan – October 2008 explains (Word 492KB):
- What external fraud is;
- The Agency’s anti-benefit fraud strategy and describes activity to protect public funds against those intent on abusing the system;
- Who does what and when;
- The role of operational staff in the process; and
- The important role Jobs and Benefit staff within the Department for Education & Learning provide in the fight against benefit fraudsters.
Social Security Benefit Fraud Sanction Policy (Word 70KB)
sets out the Social Security Agency’s approach to the sanction of customers who commit benefit fraud offences other than those involving Instrument of Payment fraud. Responses include imprisonment and non-custodial court disposals at the upper end of the scale and at the lower end a range of solutions such as formal cautions and administrative penalties to address less serious offences.
Instrument of Payment Fraud Sanctions Policy (Word 59KB)
describes the Agency’s sanctions in cases where its customers commit fraud involving cheques. The range of disposals is similar to those applied in cases where there is a benefit offence.

Code of Practice on Obtaining Information
"In paragraph 5.13 of the Code of Practice for Obtaining Information the address given for the Manager of Benefit Investigation Services and the Head of Benefit Security Services has changed and should now be read as "Lesley Exchange (1), 24 East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3NR".

Call the Fraud Hotline on 0800 975 6050