Magistrates in Cheltenham heard the offences, which took place between January 2017 and November 2023, totalled £70,430.05.

The court was told that Palmer received £26,780.96 in income-related ESA and £42,184.19 in Housing Benefit that she was not entitled to.

A further £1,464.88 was claimed through a joint Universal Credit application with her partner, Stephen Wheeler, between December 2023 and May 2024.

In mitigation, defence solicitor Blaise Shervington said his client struggles with significant mental health conditions and takes eight different medications daily.

These include treatments for anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder, alongside medication aimed at preventing heart attacks and strokes.

He told magistrates that Palmer was deeply remorseful and frightened by the proceedings.

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She had attended a special educational needs school and often struggled to manage administrative matters herself, he explained.

Prosecutor Cathy Thornton explained that Palmer had originally applied for ESA in 2017, stating she was single and living alone in Gloucester.

She had been informed the benefit would not be payable if a partner living with her was working and was reminded she must report any changes to her circumstances.

However, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) received an anonymous allegation in 2022 claiming Stephen Wheeler had been living with Palmer for five years while also in employment.

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The tip-off also alleged that Palmer herself had been working at a local pub without declaring the income.

Investigators later concluded that the couple had been living together throughout the period in question, meaning Palmer should not have received ESA.

Those payments were subsequently disallowed.

The court also heard the DWP later received another report about a Universal Credit claim submitted by the couple.

In that application they had included the child element for Palmer’s daughter, claiming she lived with them and remained in full-time education.

Investigators discovered the daughter had been living with her father for several years and had left school in 2023 to start work.

Mr Wheeler was previously dealt with through an out-of-court disposal for his involvement in the joint Universal Credit claim.

Palmer, of Hygrove Residential Park in Minsterworth near Gloucester, continues to receive benefits, and the DWP believes the money can be recovered over time.

According to the defence, Palmer relied heavily on her partner for help dealing with official paperwork, although that support had ultimately proved misguided.

The court was also told she is the primary carer for one of her daughters, who suffers from the bone condition osteitis fibrosa.

Sentencing, magistrates acknowledged the difficulties Palmer faces, including dyslexia, mental health problems and the challenges within her home life.

However, they emphasised that the £70,000 fraud represented a significant amount of public money.

Palmer was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months on the condition she commits no further offences.

She was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days under the supervision of probation services.

In addition, magistrates imposed an 18-month mental health treatment requirement, subject to assessment and her agreement to participate.

A further £50 was added to Palmer’s financial penalties, which will be consolidated with the money she already owes.

The court heard she currently receives around £2,200 a month in benefits, from which repayments and fines will be deducted.