Joseph Peter Marcel Fougere, 75, rented out his council house, which he was also claiming housing benefit for as well as Pension Credit and council tax benefit.
Fougere, of Thorpe Close, New Addington appeared on bail at Croydon Crown Court, where he will return on June 1 for sentencing.
His lawyer Len Furlong told the court: “The loss is calculated from the amounts transferred to his bank account.
“Taking into account his age, his good character even though this offence has crossed the custody threshold any custodial sentence could be suspended.”
Requesting the defendant sees the Probation Service for a pre-sentence report, the lawyer added: “The court needs to know more about Mr Fougere and this offence.”
Last year at Croydon Magistrates’ Court Fougere pleaded guilty to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances to the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) between January 25, 2010 and February 10, last year, namely that he was living in Thailand and sub-letting his home.
He also similarly pleaded guilty to failing to notify the DWP between August 22, 2011 and March 31, 2013 relating to council tax benefit and between April 1, 2011 and February 3, last year relating to housing benefit.
The court heard Fougere has medical issues, including osteoarthritis to his knees and shoulders.
Recorder Paul Keleher QC told Fougere: “You are bailed to the first of June for sentence. The court needs to be provided with information and a pre-sentence report is needed.
“You need to co-operate with that pre-sentence report. It will be in your best interests to do so.
“That is no indication to the potential sentence it is just so that the sentencing court can be full appraised of all the information in relation to you.
“There is no indication as to the final sentence. All options are open.”
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