Unemployed relative lodging. Are we entitled to anything?

karenx

badlydrunkboy wrote: »

.

If i could afford it, i'd have live rent free for as long as she needed and give her spending money, food money, travel etc to boot, but that's not the case. I was only investigating whether myself and my girlfriend would be helped.

Ok, your answer is no sorry

Oldernotwiser

Although your sister can't afford to pay you rent, she can afford to pay her share of the bills and housekeeping money for her food as this is what she receives JSA for.This should mean that you and your girlfriend aren't out of pocket.

Sunshine12

Agree with Oldernotwiser. You arent out of pocket with her staying there apart from bills which she needs to contribute to so I doubt you would be entitled to anything else. Im not having a go at you so pls dont think I am, but what did you think you would get/be entitled to? Also when your sister lost her job wouldnt she have been entitled to her rent being paid when she signed on and could have kept staying in her previous place rather than moving in with you?

Welshwoofs

1. Give her a deadline to either a) get a job or b) get a flat/houseshare somewhere else which she can get LHA for.

2. Get in a lodger who's not related to you in order to help you out if you are struggling on £36k

irishjohn

It is good of you to take your girlfriend's sister in. You should receive something in return, but not from any benefits as you are still working and receiving a good income between the two of you. So you must sit down and work out what to charge your girlfriend's sister. If you provide food, she should contribute, plus some token payment for utilities. Perhaps 50% of her JSA would cover these expenses? That would leave enough for her personal day to day expenses - not to live well but to exist - which is the main purpose for benefits - to enable someone to keep going until a new job is found. You may also want to negotiate, perhaps reduce the charge you make for lodgings and food in exchange for chores done, ironing, cleaning etc. Just an idea.

fluffymovie

Hi there

Just wanted to pop in and confirm that as your partner is her sister, she would not be entitled to claim LHA even if you drew up a tenancy as she would be 'renting' from a close relative.

kingfisherblue

I've got to agree with other posters - charge her something to cover expenses or ask her to contribute by doing the ironing etc. JSA is to cover living expenses. Also, I don't think a combined income of £36k is small! Your gf's sister has a small income, not you.

Vader123

JSA is there to cover living expenses, time to charge her some board!

Vader

DX2

badlydrunkboy wrote: »

Hi,

This is the first time i've posted on here so please go easy.

About 9 months ago, i bought my first house with my girlfriend and moved in in January. It's a 3 bedroom place, council tax band C and with my wage and my girlfriends (which are both pretty small, £36k combined) it seems we aren't entitled to any grants etc.

Why would you buy a three bed house?

viktory

Agree with the majority - she needs to start stumping up some readies. I think £30 a week would be fair, leaving her £25 (ish) a week pocket money. Not bad at all.