Woman sentenced for fraudulently claiming Carer Support

An Auckland mother charged with fraudulently claiming Carer Support for her three children has been sentenced to 5 months community detention and to repay $6000 of the money taken, in the Manukau District Court last night. (Thursday 29 January 2015)

Ministry of Health investigators said Pauline Selau, 47, made multiple claims for carer support that was not provided at all or was only partially provided. She pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2014.

The Ministry sought $38,421 in reparation. The individual's ability to repay this amount was a factor considered in sentencing.

Carer support is a subsidy funded by the Ministry of Health or a District Health Board. It is designed to assist the unpaid full time carer of a person with a disability to take a break from caring for that person. .

When interviewed by investigators the support carers said they had not provided the care claimed by Selau at all in some cases and in other instances had provided only a limited amount of care.

Ministry of Health investigators work hard to ensure that funding reaches those people for whom it is intended. The Health Integrity Line - 0800 424 888 - is a free, anonymous 24/7 phone line for members of the public to report fraud or any other activities they are concerned about in the Health system.

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