Benefits cheat Hayley Walklate, of Royal Wootton Bassett, failed to inform Wiltshire Council when her circumstances changed.
Walklate, 39, of Richards Close, claimed £5,000 more than she was due after failing to notify the council that she was receiving an income.
Between December 2011 and October 2012, the council overpaid her with £4,150.90 in Housing Benefit and £1,385.54 Council Tax Benefit.
Walklate failed to attend interviews arranged by the council’s investigation team, then did not turn up in court after being summonsed to appear on July 7, so a warrant for her arrest was issued.
She finally appeared before Swindon magistrates on August 4, to plead guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances.
The court heard she had undeclared money that she knew would affect her entitlement to the benefits.
Walklate was told to repay the overpaid sum and given a 12-month community order with 70 hours’ unpaid work.
She must pay costs of £350 and a £60 victim surcharge.
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