Scared of consequences

Please don't be scared. I had a housing benefit review and they wanted to see bank statements for a time I was gambling badly. The amount of transactions into my account was eye watering. It was thousands. Even I was shocked. But I explained about my gambling addiction and how bad my mental health was and had to explain some transactions and everything was OK. I honestly thought I was going to be done for fraud but they were so understanding. Just be honest. I hope everything works out OK. Feel free to ask me anything about it.

Stace

Sorry to hear about your circumstances. I can appreciate how you must feel.

being pragmatic, you need to get yourself some advice before you attend the interview. The bottom line is that you don't want your benefits stopped... you need to know what you shouldn't be saying.

For me when i was out of work, I was quite open and said that i had a gambling problem and it affected my mental health. The benefits people were sympathetic, but I'd imagine that a compliance interview is different so you need to know how to approach it. Citizens advice bureau?? maybe go on the helpline for other sources of help??

As for gambling, well ya gotta takes steps to stop yourself gambling... Gamstop etc. You could maybe tell them in the interview what you are doing to stop yourself gambling.

All the best

Posted by: @s-687

Sorry to hear about your circumstances. I can appreciate how you must feel.

being pragmatic, you need to get yourself some advice before you attend the interview. The bottom line is that you don't want your benefits stopped... you need to know what you shouldn't be saying.

For me when i was out of work, I was quite open and said that i had a gambling problem and it affected my mental health. The benefits people were sympathetic, but I'd imagine that a compliance interview is different so you need to know how to approach it. Citizens advice bureau?? maybe go on the helpline for other sources of help??

As for gambling, well ya gotta takes steps to stop yourself gambling... Gamstop etc. You could maybe tell them in the interview what you are doing to stop yourself gambling.

All the best

Thank you.  I genuinely didn't even think it was something which could get me into trouble.  I was bored and stuck in bed in pain. It then started getting our of hand.

I keep being sick from anxiety from it  

@stace thank you. 

I've called my partner tonight.  I was terrified of his reaction but he was so supportive which was lovely.  He knew I never made our son suffer and realised I had no idea was something I was breaking rules so qas fantastic.  If owe them money then we will deal with it together ❤ 

Posted by: @cb2022

Hi

Today I got a letter from benefits saying I need to do compliance interview. I've just found out gambling counts as income. I've got gambling problem and any winnings just played for more games.

I'm so scared 

How long before they contacted you? I think they've had a big backlog due to covid ec, i haven't heard anything for a year or so.

inregards to the money going into account, there is noway they can say gambling is an income, its a illness not a f******g job!

Hi 

I used to work for the DWP. They will not count your gambling as income, but you must be totally honest with them about your addiction and any financial or mental problems that you are experiencing. Ask if you can speak to their 'Addiction Lead'; every office must have one. There are protocols in place to support you during this difficult time and they should not be putting you under any additional pressures. You must be able to demonstrate that you are seeking help for your addiction, either through regular meetings or counselling.

Hope this helps. Take care

Ken

@stace hi stace

How long was you gambling if you dont mind me asking and claiming benefits before you had to have a housing benefit meeting.

Im glad that you sorted it out.

You have done so well staying off gambling.

Im new on here so its good to be able to hear everyones experiences.

Ive been gambling on and off for a while.

I get impulses and when im struggling with other parts of my life i gamble.

I will then win then lose it all.

It seems like im winning alot but then im just chasing losses.

Ive not gambled for a week and i am having counselling now.

I wish you all the best on your recovery.