National statistics

Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2022 to 2023 estimates

Estimates of fraud and error levels in the benefit system in Great Britain in the financial year 2022 to 2023.

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Documents

Tables: Fraud and error in the benefit system, 2022 to 2023 estimates (XLS)

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Tables: Fraud and error in the benefit system, 2022 to 2023 estimates (ODS)

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible.formats@dwp.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This publication provides estimates of the levels of fraud and error in the benefit system in Great Britain, for the financial year ending 2023.

The main stories from the publication are:

  • 3.6% (£8.3 billion) of total benefit expenditure was overpaid due to fraud and error

  • 1.4% (£3.3 billion) of total benefit expenditure was underpaid due to fraud and error

  • the net loss to the Department for Work and Pensions, after accounting for recoveries, was 3.1% (£7.3 billion) of total benefit expenditure

Feedback or enquiries about these statistics should be directed by email to: caxtonhouse.femaenquiries@dwp.gov.uk

Published 11 May 2023