Benefits managers have warned they will prosecute anyone discovered defrauding the system.
Adur District Council issued the warning after successfully prosecuting two women from Sompting for fraud.
Pepita Brooks, 27, and Gail Helyar, 30, were both working in a pub while claiming housing and council tax benefit.
They failed to tell the council about their jobs.
They were found out after a routine visit by a council tax visiting officer.
They pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates Court on August 14 and were given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £270 costs.
Corporate services chairman Julie Searle said: "Our concern is to make sure people get the benefits they are entitled to.
"However, we do prosecute the small minority who abuse the system."
The pair were prosecuted under the Social Security Administration Act 1992.
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