Man admits £30,000 benefits fraud over undisclosed savings

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 07:14 · Archive

Stephen Quirk, 66, from Cumbria, admitted failing to declare savings of up to £45,000 when claiming Universal Credit.

Stephen Quirk, aged 66, from Newton Street in Millom in Cumbria, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to dishonestly claiming £30,044.55 in Universal Credit. Between January 2020 and October 2025, he failed to declare savings of up to £45,000 to the Department for Work and Pensions, which would have impacted his application for the benefit.

When he first applied in 2020, Quirk submitted that he had no present income, but was found to have been in possession of capital in excess of £30,000. This sum later rose to £45,000 through inheritance and an insurance payment. According to the prosecution, Quirk said he did not want to live off these savings and wanted to be comfortable in retirement.

Quirk's defence told the court that the overpaid amount of £30,044.55 had already been repaid. They noted he recognised the seriousness of the offending and its impact on society, and that he had not adopted an extravagant lifestyle as a result of the dishonestly claimed money.

How it is being reported

• Man dishonestly claimed £30,000 in benefits 'to be comfortable in retirement'Stephen Quirk, aged 66, admitted that he did not declare savings of up to £45,000 that would have impacted his application for Universal Credit.Whitehaven News · 9 Oct, 06:00
• Man dishonestly claimed £30,000 in benefits 'to be comfortable in retirement'Stephen Quirk, aged 66, admitted that he did not declare savings of up to £45,000 that would have impacted his application for Universal Credit.NW Evening Mail · 9 Oct, 06:00
• Man dishonestly claimed £30,000 in benefits 'to be comfortable in retirement'Stephen Quirk, aged 66, admitted that he did not declare savings of up to £45,000 that would have impacted his application for Universal Credit.News & Star · 9 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Stephen Quirk · Millom · Cumbria · Preston Crown Court · Department for Work and Pensions

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