Home visit from Income Support

choccycat · 15 January 2009 at 11:08AM

Hi
I recently seperated from my partner and have had to claim the relevant benefits for myself and our daughter.
We are still living in the same house untill one of us finds some alternative accomodation just in seperate bedrooms.
Regarding my claim to income support which hasnt yet been accepted I have recieved a letter stating a home visit will be made on 21st of jan to basically check we are living seperately whilst in the same house.
I just wondered if anyone else has had this and if so have I got any reason to be worried. I am genuine and we have been very honest with them but when you've lived together as a couple with a baby its going to in parts of the house still look as though a family still lives here and not seperate people sharing IYSWIM.
With the exception of the bedrooms it isnt a lot different especially as he's been paying most things untill my money is sorted out.
I am just worried I'll be accused of lying.
Anyone with similar experience?
Cat x

SomeBozo · 15 January 2009 at 11:10AM

They are checking if you are a family unit rather than 2 separate people.

Given the fact you live together and

he's been paying most things untill my money is sorted out.

I would say it would be hard not to say you are acting a family!

Bozo

Scarlett1 · 15 January 2009 at 11:11AM

They will want to see that you are living seperately and not as a family, they will probably look at your sleeping arrangements and ask if you eat together as a family, and whether you go out and do things together like food shopping, I think that as long as you are honest with them then there is nothing to worry about

choccycat · 15 January 2009 at 11:14AM

SomeBozo wrote: »

They are checking if you are a family unit rather than 2 separate people.

Given the fact you live together and

I would say it would be hard not to say you are acting a family!

Bozo

We dont act as a family but I have no where else to go at mo.
He spends time with his daughter after work.Myself and him dont do anything together.

I didnt ask your OPINION i asked for advice or similar situations.

choccycat · 15 January 2009 at 11:20AM

also I have to pay him back for my share of the bills as soon as i get some money.
And Im looking at going to work too.

colin13 · 15 January 2009 at 11:22AM

I think I would b worried as well:( u know ur situation but having to convince a penpusher might not b 100% easy,, just tell them the situation as it stands ,,mayb this will quicken up ur hope of a new place of ur own once this person has reported back

scooby1001 · 15 January 2009 at 11:32AM

I would try not to worry. Back in 2001 i had to carry on living in the same house as my ex-husband while the council found him somewhere to live. IS came out and took loads of information but did not look round the house. I did ask him if he wanted to but he did'nt. Things may have changed since but i did not have any problem getting IS. It may have helped that they were aware the council were finding him accommodation so it was obvious we had seperated. It is possible so try not to worry.

pipkin71 · 15 January 2009 at 11:51AM

My friend went through the same thing but was finally awarded IS.

My advice would be just to be honest with them. Good luck.

Oldernotwiser · 15 January 2009 at 12:32PM

The fact that you don't sleep in the same room doesn't mean that you won't be considered a family unit. Many couples sleep separately when one of them's ill, it doesn't mean that they become single.

mrsjanejane · 17 January 2009 at 10:16PM

I had a friend that went through this 2 years ago. If you eat together most of the time and go out lots together, they see this as you being a family. Now, when friends, share a house they do eat alot of the time together or watch tv/films together (in my circle they do) and this could be you classed as a family unit even if you are separated, as you are living like a family. Honesty is the best policy, but it did not get her far. However, it's best to be honest as you have nothing to hide and if they think otherwise you have to prove them different (and this can be hard). They even ask about if you do their laundy. When I shared years ago with a friend, we used to wash our clothes together sometimes as this meant the washing machine got filled up. Strange rules out there, but I can see why they need to be there as tax payers money is at risk.

mrsjanejane · 17 January 2009 at 10:22PM

Forgot to mention, that being honest may make you look guilty but as long as you know your straight and you can show them bank statements etc and it shows you live separately like shopping bills etc, this will help support your case if it was a problem. I remember when I advised someone in a similar situation and from my work knowledge - you must close your joint accounts straight away becasue if someone really is separated, then you don't need a joint account and it will go against you. HONESTY will take you a lot further in life! so don't worry too much

Home visit from Income Support

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