Help with my customer compliance interview please

DaiJoA

Hi, please can someone help me with my interview which is coming up on Wednesday, the letter says there is a query with my claim for income support (I also claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit and get tax credits for my little boy, am a single mother). I rang up the office to find out where they were and also to ask what the query was, they said it was just a routine appointment to check everything is ok with my benefits and that nothing has changed in my circumstances.

Nothing has changed in my circumstances, I haven't worked since I made my claim for IS back in October, but the only thing that has changed for me personally is that I am now seeing someone. He doesn't stay over, he has his own place, we don't 'share' money, he doesn't contribute in any way to my household, my bills or food, and certainly not to my child. I know obviously that I would have to declare to all the departments if I moved in with someone, but my question is at the interview on Wednesday do I have to actually say that I'm seeing someone if the relationship does not break any of the rules? Quite frankly as far as I'm concerned as long as I am not breaking any of the rules or the laws of benefits, I don't feel that it is any of their business if I am seeing someone or not, and I don't want to unduly draw attention to myself, but some people have told me I should say something. I have been through so much in the past year with splitting up from my abusive husband and moving into my little flat with my lovely little boy, I've been trying so hard to build my life up again and the last thing I need just when I'm getting enough confidence back to being enjoying life again is some nosy benefits officer asking me questions about seeing someone, and any possible investigation into our relationship. Also the person I'm seeing has just gone through hell too so I don't want anything scaring him off!

What happens if I just say I'm in a relationship but not living with him, do they leave it at that or do they start rooting around? Would I be commiting some kind of fraud if I said I wasn't in a relationship? Surely its not being in a relationship that is breaking the rules, its living together, which is never going to happen! I've done some research online but it seems a very cloudy area and I'm worried and scared now!

All advice gratefully received!

alwaysonthego_2

If you have nothing to hide then why not be upfront. Sometimes couples who live apart can be classed as a couple for benefit purposes and they just don't look at financial support but many other factors. If you do not tell them then if they decide to secretly watch you then it is going to appear suspicious. Without wanting to be harsh if you are claiming state benefits then you have to be prepared to answer the DWP's questions no matter how intrusive they seem.

DaiJoA

I know I should answer everything honestly but I'm just so worried that they are going to start prying into things, not that they will find anything but mainly I'm just worried about scaring this poor man off, and I'm under so much stress with other things that I can't lead my life feeling like I'm being watched or doing something wrong.

alwaysonthego_2

DaiJoA wrote: »

I know I should answer everything honestly but I'm just so worried that they are going to start prying into things, not that they will find anything but mainly I'm just worried about scaring this poor man off, and I'm under so much stress with other things that I can't lead my life feeling like I'm being watched or doing something wrong.

If you are truthful it will be less hassle for you in the long term.

DaiJoA

That's the thing though, I've heard so many horror stories about people being honest and then shooting themselves in the foot, really I feel as long as I'm not breaking the rules by having him stay over (and the rules here are too cloudy as well, some say two nights, some say none, so once again I'll be miss sensible and he won't be staying over not only because of the 'rules' but because of my son) or by him somehow contributing to my flat, I don't feel as if I should tell them because who's to say they won't then start watching me? Sorry but I've had enough stress and trouble in my life this past year and don't need any more.

DaisyFlower

I wouldnt lie at all. They may have already been watching you or somebody may have reported you. If you lie and they have evidence that you are in a relationship it will make the situation far worse.

Just tell the truth, that you are seeing somebody and he has his own place. Why hide the fact if you are doing nothing wrong?

cattie

DaiJoA wrote: »

That's the thing though, I've heard so many horror stories about people being honest and then shooting themselves in the foot, really I feel as long as I'm not breaking the rules by having him stay over (and the rules here are too cloudy as well, some say two nights, some say none, so once again I'll be miss sensible and he won't be staying over not only because of the 'rules' but because of my son) or by him somehow contributing to my flat, I don't feel as if I should tell them because who's to say they won't then start watching me? Sorry but I've had enough stress and trouble in my life this past year and don't need any more.

You only hear the horror stories from people who decide they have something to complain about. Those that are honest & up front & work with the system instead of against it rarely have anything to complain about.

I don't mean to be harsh but there are rules & regulations in every aspect of our lives, from living with family, going to school & going to work, so having to jump through a few hoops to claim welfare benefits is surely a small price to pay in return for an income that helps support you & your child? They have every right to check that tax payer's money spent on benefits is not paid to those that shouldn't qualify for financial support from DWP.

You say you've had enough stress etc. & don't need this from DWP when the fact is that unless you are open & honest about your situation, you might be perceived as having something to hide & arouse suspicion.

Honesty wins every time.

kathryn_1

Hi DaiJoA

I had one of these interviews and it was just a standard check to make sure my circumstances hadn't changed and that I knew the consequences of not reporting any other changes as they happen. The whole thing was over in about 15 mins. Apparently my name was just chosen at random by the computer. Hopefully this will put your mind at rest a bit.

AsknAnswer

Right, it's like this....if they ask if you have a patner whom you live with, the answer is no.

They are unlikely to ask if you are in a relationship but if they do the answer is yes.

If they were to start poking around and your boyfriend doesn't like it and is unwilling to support you through it, then I'd say you need to question yourself if you have a future with someone who is unwilling to be supportive of you.

hanny83_2

Compliance officers are employed to make sure people are getting paid the correct rates of benefit, be that entitlement to more benefit or less benefit. I went out with a Compliance Officer the other week and it's amazing what sort of things are left off people's claims, things like having a new baby and not letting the Department know. They need to know your circumstances to adjust your benefit accordingly.

My advice for what it's worth (I am a fraud investigator) is to admit that you have started a new relationship, but state that it is not serious yet and you have no plans to move in together. The Compliance Officer will then get you to sign a statement in that you will tell the Department if it does become more serious and he does move in.

They completely understand that lone parents are entitled to a life, and that includes dating, but just let them know when it becomes serious and your partner begins to support you.

bestpud

I'm not sure what you want us to say?

I agree the truth is the only way of avoiding major hassle now or later on and it is surely less stressful to be open and honest?

I really can't see the issue if you genuinely have nothing to hide. You just seem to be creating worry for yourself.

If you don't want to justify what you do with your life then I'm afraid the answer is to get a job and come off benefits.

Does he claim benefits? Why on earth would something simple like this make him leave you?

Seriously, mountains and molehills spring to mind!

Relax - just answer honestly and carry on rebuilding your life. Nothing has changed for the worse and you can't put your foot in it if there is nothing there to put it in!

Good luck with it.