Benefit Fraud - Should i report??

Bobl

Fraud Freephone 0800 716152

It is everyone's duty to report 'potential' fraud, the authorities will investigate and decide if there is any basis. Anyone who does not report it is complicit.

terryw

Bobl wrote: »

Fraud Freephone 0800 716152

It is everyone's duty to report 'potential' fraud, the authorities will investigate and decide if there is any basis. Anyone who does not report it is complicit.

Yes, I agree with the consensus that this should be reported but it is by no means certain that any fraud is being committed. Unfortunately the whole benefits system financially encourages couples to live "apart". If the "partner" has another address at which he is registered with the various agencies, then it is very difficult to prove that a couple are living as husband and wife. It is perfectly allowable to stay over, to take the partner shopping, to have a sexual relationship, to buy presents etc etc. The main factor is a financial relationship and I am quite sure that any couple in these circumstances would deny this! The main problem is with the government rules but I really can't think of another system which would stop this very prevalent practice unless it was draconian.

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

terryw wrote: »

Yes, I agree with the consensus that this should be reported but it is by no means certain that any fraud is being committed. Unfortunately the whole benefits system financially encourages couples to live "apart". If the "partner" has another address at which he is registered with the various agencies, then it is very difficult to prove that a couple are living as husband and wife. It is perfectly allowable to stay over, to take the partner shopping, to have a sexual relationship, to buy presents etc etc. The main factor is a financial relationship and I am quite sure that any couple in these circumstances would deny this! The main problem is with the government rules but I really can't think of another system which would stop this very prevalent practice unless it was draconian.

Having recently been investigated for the very same thing I know the criteria the DWP use in deciding whether you are a couple for benefit purposes.

The DWP class you as a couple if you spend time together as a family, eat together, go shopping together, if he has personal belongings at her house & if neighbours etc class you as a couple.

The op states that his ex has been living with this guy for 4 years so I doubt he has his own house but if he does & he pays rent/mortgage, ct & utilities he will be fine.

I think he should report her as in my case the DWP investigate & make their decision based on facts not hearsay.

I was not living with my partner & the DWP have aknowledged this so if she has done anything wrong she has nothing to worry about.