A Dundee woman who fraudulently claimed more than £17,000 in benefits will have to sell her home to repay the money, a court heard.
Margaret Scott has been ordered to pay back almost £10,000 in the next six months after admitting claiming the benefits over a seven-year period.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard a civil action under the Proceeds of Crime Act had been raised in a bid to retrieve the money.
The 53-year-old will return to court on August 22 after being told by a sheriff that “all options” for sentencing were being considered.
Her solicitor George Donnelly said: “This is a lady who has been riddled with ill-health and who will ultimately lose the family home.”
Sheriff Richard McFarlane said: “The sentence in this case troubles me. We are talking about a significant amount of money. I had hoped I could draw a line under the matter but some progress is being made.
“This is a particularly serious case and there are a number of circumstances that assist in the sentencing process. All options need to be explored and examined and I will defer sentence for a medical report.”
Scott, of St Fillans Place, previously admitted claiming £17,435.04 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Dundee City Council.
She admitted between May 23 2005 and October 7 2012, at various locations, claiming £4,023.40 of council tax which she was not entitled to by failing to declare her husband Alan Scott was living with her.
Scott also admitted claiming £13,411.64 of income support which she was not entitled to, also by failing to declare that she was living with her husband, between January 15 2004 and April 8 2011.
Following the hearing, a DWP spokeswoman said: “Benefit fraud is a crime and we are dedicated to catching those who commit it.
“Only a small minority of benefit claimants are dishonest but cases like this cost the taxpayer money that should be used to help those in need.
“We are determined to find those who we suspect are cheating the system by following up on tip-offs, undertaking surveillance and working with local councils. If you suspect someone of benefit fraud, please call the Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440 so we can continue to tackle the problem in your area.”