Collection

Fraud and error in the benefit system

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 25 June 2013
• Last updated: 18 May 2017, see all updates

Estimates of fraud and error levels in the benefit system in Great Britain.

These statistical reports provide estimates of fraud and error for benefits administered by the DWP and local authorities.

Reports are published twice a year:

• preliminary estimates are published in May or June
• final estimates are published in November or December

The preliminary estimates published in May or June also feature in the DWP annual report and accounts each year when they get published.

Accompanying each estimate report, we also publish data tables that provide the user with detailed estimates by different types of fraud and error.

Statistical reports for the periods from 2006 to 2010 can be found in the National Archive.

Find future DWP fraud and error estimate release dates

Interactive information and charts

Use our online tool to explore DWP’s fraud and error statistics.

Find contact information and more information about DWP statistics on the Statistics at DWP page.

Latest report

1. Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2016/17 preliminary estimates

   • 30 May 2017
   • National Statistics

Previous reports

1. Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2015/16 estimates

   • 27 April 2017
   • National Statistics

2. Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2014/15 estimates

   • 5 November 2015
   • National Statistics

3. Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2013/14 estimates

   • 17 November 2014
   • National Statistics

4. Fraud and Error in the benefit system: financial year 2012/13 estimates

   • 16 January 2014
   • National Statistics

5. Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2011/12 revised estimates

   • 13 December 2013
   • Official Statistics

6. Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2010/11 revised estimates

   • 29 November 2012
   • Official Statistics

Background information and guidance

Supporting guides including technical appendices, quality guidance and further background documentation.

1. Fraud and error in the benefit system: background information

   • 18 May 2017
   • Guidance

2. Fraud and error in the benefit system: publication strategy

   • 21 April 2017
   • Guidance

3. Fraud and error in the benefit system: supporting documents for statistical reports

   • 19 May 2017
   • Guidance

Document information

Published: 25 June 2013

Updated: 18 May 2017

+ full page history

1. 18 May 2017 Added preliminary estimates for financial year 2016/17.
2. 8 December 2016 Added final estimates for financial year 2015 to 2016.
3. 19 May 2016 Published preliminary estimates for financial year 2015 to 2016.
4. 5 November 2015 Published final estimates for financial year 2014 to 2015.
5. 3 July 2015 Published Fraud and error in the benefit system: publication strategy.
6. 14 May 2015 Published 'Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2014/15 preliminary estimates'.
7. 6 November 2014 Published final estimates for financial year 2013 to 2014.
8. 1 July 2014 Published link to statistical notice advising statistics users of proposed changes to the publishing of fraud and error estimates for financial year 2013 to 2014.
9. 15 May 2014 Published preliminary 2013/2014 estimates.
10. 16 January 2014 Fraud and Error in the Benefit System: 2012/13 Estimates published
11. 13 December 2013 Note added regarding next release - Estimates of Fraud and Error in the Benefit system 2012 to 2013 (Great Britain) will be published on 16 January 2014.
12. 21 November 2013 Link added to supporting guides.
13. 25 June 2013 First published.

From: Department for Work and Pensions