TOUGHER sanctions have been put in place for people who receive family or old age benefits to which they were not entitled.

They are mainly aimed at deliberate fraud, but can also apply if you made a mistake or omission in a declaration.

They also apply to people who have tried to gain benefits for a third party.

Examples include families that fail to declare the death of a beneficiary within six months, or who take means-tested benefits while working surreptitiously.

Penalties will vary on severity of the offence, up to €5,770; more in the case of a repeat offence or “organised fraud”.