Martinborough chef admits benefit fraud

CAUGHT: A chef who claimed a benefit and lied about her relationship will have to pay the money back.

A Martinborough beneficiary who lied about her relationship and employment status will now have to pay back almost $60,000.

Susanne Lynn Martin, a 39-year-old chef, appeared in Masterton District Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to two charges of obtaining by deception, two charges of wilful omission and one charge of dishonestly using a document.

In total, between January 2007 and June 2013, Martin fraudulently obtained $57,120.40.

Solicitor Cathy Blakely, who appeared for the Ministry of Social Development, said in February 1999 Martin had successfully applied for the Domestic Purposes Benefit (DPB).

This was cancelled in September 2008 when Martin commenced a joint benefit with her husband.

The couple continued on joint rates of Unemployment and Sickness Benefits until February 2011, when Martin advised the ministry she had separated from her husband. As a result of inquiries carried out it was established Martin had been living in a marriage-like relationship since February 2008. In February 2008 Martin also submitted a form stating she was living only with her children, she included a tenancy agreement for her new property, but failed to present the two pages of the agreement which showed it was a joint tenancy with her partner.

In December 2007 Martin submitted a Work and Income form stating she was not working and had not received any income other than the benefit in the previous 52 weeks.

However, ministry inquiries established Martin had in fact been employed by a cafe between May 2007 and February 2008.

While on joint rates of benefit Martin was also employed at a bar between November 2008 and January 2010 and again failed to advise the ministry of her employment.

Ministry inquiries also established Martin did not separate from her husband in February 2011. She continued to live with him and their children, in Fielding, until June 2012 when she moved to Martinborough.

Her husband remained in Fielding for work and moved to be with his wife in November 2012.

Martin was employed by the Martinborough Hotel Bar and Grill between September 2012 and June 2013 and again did not notify the ministry of her employment.

She was interviewed in July 2013 and said she was aware of her obligations, however had not advised the ministry she was working because she knew her benefit would be cancelled. She denied she had continued living with her husband after declaring they had separated in February 2011. Reparation of $57,120.40 is sought by the ministry.

Judge Barbara Morris remanded Martin on bail until March 3 for sentence.