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Fraud and error in the benefit system

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 Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and local authorities.

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 Archives.

Find future DWP fraud and error estimate release dates.

Latest report

Previous reports

Supporting guides including technical appendices.

Published 25 June 2013
Last updated 1 February 2024 + show all updates
  1. Added 'Changes in the fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2023 to 2024 estimates: statistical notice' to 'Related publications'.

  2. Added a link to the latest release of fraud and error in the benefit system statistics, for financial year 2022 to 2023 (estimates).

  3. Added a link to a statistical notice about changes in the next release of fraud and error in the benefit system statistics. The next release will be published on 11 May 2023.

  4. Added a link to the latest release of fraud and error in the benefit system statistics, for financial year 2021 to 2022 (estimates).

  5. Added a link to a statistical notice about changes in the fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2021 to 2022 estimates publication.

  6. Added a link to the latest release of fraud and error in the benefit system statistics, for financial year 2020 to 2021 (estimates).

  7. Added a link to the latest release of fraud and error in the benefit system statistics, for financial year 2019 to 2020 (estimates).

  8. Added a link to a statistical notice about changes in the fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2019 to 2020 estimates publication.

  9. Added a link to the latest release of Fraud and error in the benefit system statistics, for financial year 2018 to 2019 (estimates).

  10. Added final estimates for financial year 2017 to 2018.

  11. Added information about a consultation on proposed changes to the fraud and error in the benefit system statistics - the consultation closes on 16 September 2018.

  12. Added preliminary estimates for financial year 2017 to 2018.

  13. Added final estimates for financial year 2016 to 2017.

  14. Added preliminary estimates for financial year 2016/17.

  15. Added final estimates for financial year 2015 to 2016.

  16. Published preliminary estimates for financial year 2015 to 2016.

  17. Published final estimates for financial year 2014 to 2015.

  18. Published Fraud and error in the benefit system: publication strategy.

  19. Published 'Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2014/15 preliminary estimates'.

  20. Published final estimates for financial year 2013 to 2014.

  21. 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.

  22. Published preliminary 2013/2014 estimates.

  23. Fraud and Error in the Benefit System: 2012/13 Estimates published

  24. 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.

  25. Link added to supporting guides.

  26. First published.