A MOTHER-of-three dishonestly received over £24,000 in social security benefits despite having savings above the allowed limit, a jury heard.

Christine Turner claimed for income support, housing and council tax benefits over a six-year period.

She made the claims on the basis that she was a single parent, was unemployed and had no income but she held an ISA in her own name which, by March, 2007, totalled £27,534, said Trevor Meegan, prosecuting.

Turner, 41, of Arley Close, Rifle Range estate, Kidderminster, denies five charges of making false benefit claims between November, 2001 and November, 2007.

Mr Meegan told Worcester Crown Court that claimants could hold savings up to £3,000 without affecting benefits until April 2006. After that date, the maximum rose to £6,000.

Turner declared in May, 2002 that her bank and building society savings totalled £1,633 but in September, 2001 she had taken out an ISA totalling £6,792.

She then made regular deposits of up to £1,000 and accrued interest of up to £1,233 a year.

When she was investigated, she said the ISA was created so that her mother could save money to send her son - her mother's grandson - to university.

She claimed to have no access to the ISA and denied she had the paperwork for it.

Mr Meegan said the total loss to the taxpayer in benefits paid out was £24,887.

On none of the benefit forms filled in by the defendant did she declare that she held an ISA with Abbey National, he added.

The trial continues.