Two children cap...

[GrannyMac]

That makes more sense. Artificial Intelligence went for the Artificial Insemination explanation. I expect yours is more common.

Yes, it's often grandparents.  It's usually better for a child than going into the care system, but unless they are relatively young grandparents, it must be tough.  We couldn't cope with a young child or a teenager now.  

[Dextrous63]

How does one forge the require documentation so as to claim one has a child, when one has not?

I have a cunning plan to boost my income. 😬😬

[klondike]

You probably need to forge the paperwork to get on universal credit first...

[Ashy]

I've heard it alleged that immigrants claim that their children were born abroad, and borrow some kids if the authorities want to see them.

Although I would never do it, I wonder how easy it is to register a birth and get a birth certificate, when no birth has taken place.

[Michael Rolls]

Why is our government so gullible?

[Ashy]

I suspect that the people chosen to administer the system sympathise with claimants, don't recognise when we are being scammed and probably have no means of verifying.

Take an instance of a foreign woman who becomes destitute, she's housed and given money. She then gets married abroad but doesn't tell anyone. The husband may even stay abroad, while the woman still gets benefits as a single woman. 

[Scrumpy]

Why is our government so gullible?

I sometimes watch Judge Judy.. 

She gets so angry when learning the welfare benefits some are claiming .. When they obviously shouldn't be..
So, you see, it is not only our country that are (gullible)...

[JBR]

I suppose there have always been those who can play the system, but today such practices seem to be endemic. One thing is certain, if things continue in the same way: eventually the money will run out.  Up until 1990 I don't remember any real worries about the future in this country, but things are now not looking good.

When that happens, it will be the people who have seen it coming and who have prepared for the worst who will survive.  Those who simply rely on handouts will eventually realise that there is no more free money coming their way.  Many will then  resort to crime in order to survive.

What a future to look forward to.

[klondike]

I sometimes watch Judge Judy..

You do realise that is entertainment and not a documentary I suppose? They'll pick "cases" that wind people up.

[Scrumpy]

You do realise that is entertainment and not a documentary I suppose? They'll pick "cases" that wind people up.

I am fully aware that it is for entertainment only..
I am also aware that there are many cases that involve (cheating) the system..

The truth is.. there are MANY people claiming benefits when they obviously do not need it..

[klondike]

Spot on. It's the huge benefits bill and no government's willingness to tackle it that taxes have gone through the roof. People got the taste of not having to go to work during lockdown. I would certainly have problems finding the time for such nonsense now.