A woman continued to claim housing costs for two years after she had moved out of the property.
Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard how, as a result of her failure to notify the Department of Work and Pensions of her change of circumstances, Sadie Hart received an overpayment of £10,931 between June 2022 and June 2024.
Hart, 32, of Manchester Road, Hapton, pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to disclose information with the intent to make a gain for herself.
She was made subject to a community order for 18 months with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours of unpaid work.
She was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Kate Moore, prosecuting, said Hart had been receiving Universal Credit, which included housing costs for her then home in Clayton-le-Moors.
"She left the property without telling the authorities and continued to receive the housing allowance," said Miss Moore.
"When she was interviewed, she said she knew she should have reported the change in circumstances."
Aamir Sial, mitigating, said his client had left the address as a result of domestic violence.
"She accepts she went to another property and failed to inform the DWP," said Mr Sial.
"She is now repaying the money."
Share