Simon Bernard Kenton, 56, of Millers, The Common, East Hanningfield, Chelmsford had fought the allegations for years, having first appeared in court in February, 2018.
At Kingston-upon-Thames Crown Court on Friday he received a twenty-one month Community Order, which includes forty hours community service work.
Kenton must also comply with an electronically-tagged home curfew between 8pm and 6am for two months.
On the day of his trial Kenton pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to notify the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) of a change in his circumstances, namely the receipt of additional income.
Between March 12, 2010 and August 21, 2012 he received nearly £10,000 in Jobseekers Allowance and between March 15, 2010 and February 1, 2013 £1,783 in council tax benefit.
The prosecution had originally brought further charges, including one relating to an Employment & Support Allowance claim made in Chelmsford, but this was dropped.
Also dropped were housing benefit offences against the London boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham; Merton; Greenwich; Kensington & Chelsea and a council tax claim in Westminster.
He was first interviewed by investigators in 2016 and replied “no comment” to their questions.
It was accepted the first-time offender’s benefit claims were legitimate when they were initially made.
“I am not going to impose a custodial sentence and I accept you have suffered mental health problems,” Judge Rajeev Shetty told Kenton, who was made bankrupt in 2018.
“That explains losing your way and leading a very troubled life and I am sorry your life has gone south.
“I accept your remorse and that is to your credit,” added the judge. “Taking money from the public purse is something that is taken very seriously by the courts.”
No order for costs or compensation was made against Kenton.
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