A mum from Wallyford in East Lothian has admitted to wrongly pocketing some £20,000 in Universal Credit after lying about her living situation.
Kirsty Benn failed to tell the Department of Work and Pensions that she was actually living with her partner.
The mum of four appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court this week to admit the offence, the Daily Record reports.
After being interviewed by benefits bosses Benn disguised the fact she was actually living with her partner.
The DWP conducted an investigation and discovered the truth, with Benn, 35, admitted on Wednesday.
The offences took place between July 2016 and May 2018 the court heard.
Benn pled guilt to "knowingly failing to give prompt notification to the DWP of a change of her circumstances affecting her benefit".
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Defence agent Mary Moultrie said her client would actually have qualified for some benefits even if she had been upfront about her situation.
Sheriff Douglas Keir said it was a “substantial sum” of money and a “serious matter”.
Benn was bailed for sentencing next month whilst reports are gathered.
