The National Insurance Act describes a number of offences for which persons may be charged. These basically concern Contributions and Benefits.

Contribution offences are, for example, non payment of contributions; the failure by an employer to provide information on an employee’s wage status; the victimization, by an employer, of an employee who cooperates with National Insurance; etc.

Benefit offences are, for example, where a claimant attempts to alter documents; where a person presents him/herself claiming a benefit to which they are not entitled; etc.

Penalties for offences range from a minimum of six months in jail or a fine of $1,000, or both, to a maximum of 12 months in jail, or a fine of $2,500, or both.