Advice wanted - don't want to commit fraud

ally18

Can someone please advise?

If you are a single mum and in receipt of child tax credit only and a discount on council tax, what are the rules governing having a new partner stay over in your home a couple of nights a week?

Firstly, the partner is not moving in, does not contribute to any bills but due to the travelling time and distance between both addresses, I would like to be able to say 'its ok to stay over occasionally'.

I'm a bit worried over whether it would be classed as fraud as obviously I def don't want this to happen at all.

Does anyone know what you are 'allowed' so to speak?

Thanks

Indie_Kid

There is no limit on the number of nights he can stay. The DWP look at things such as, him paying the share of bills, his mail going to yours, etc. (and loads of things I can't remember)

healy

ally18 wrote: »

Can someone please advise?

If you are a single mum and in receipt of child tax credit only and a discount on council tax, what are the rules governing having a new partner stay over in your home a couple of nights a week?

Firstly, the partner is not moving in, does not contribute to any bills but due to the travelling time and distance between both addresses, I would like to be able to say 'its ok to stay over occasionally'.

I'm a bit worried over whether it would be classed as fraud as obviously I def don't want this to happen at all.

Does anyone know what you are 'allowed' so to speak?

Thanks

There are no set number of nights.

terryw

Bung "living together as husband and wife" into google or search the MSE forums and you will quickly locate a list of the factors taken into account.

On what you have said though, you are well within the rules.

ally18

Thanks for your replies.

Vader123

does not contribute to any bills

First question, why is someone staying over (presumably eating, keeping warm, showering, water, electric gas) get to do that without making a contribution?

I would like to be able to say 'its ok to stay over occasionally'.

Its not about the number of nights.

Someone could sleep in another persons house 7 nights a week and not be a couple.

Someone could never stay at the house for weeks/months on end and still be a couple.

Its all about the family unit.

You are claiming to be single.

The questions are all around a) sharing resources, b) shopping together, c) public recognition d) sleeping arrangments, the list goes on and on.

Vader

ally18

Thanks for the advice Vader. It seems like this situation may be a problem for me because obviously I don't want to get into trouble but I cannot at the moment manage without the ctc. Can't ask the other person to make a contribution either at present.

I was only thinking of the odd occasion perhaps but all those 'using/sharing resources' have to be taken into account I suppose.

Oh dear, problems. :undecided

missmontana

As long as its only the odd occasion you really needn't worry. This has been discussed many times on here.

Vader123

missmontana wrote: »

As long as its only the odd occasion you really needn't worry. This has been discussed many times on here.

There are no set number of nights.

Can we please be clear on this. Its not about "occasional" or "rare", its about the family unit and living arrangements.

Can't ask the other person to make a contribution either at present.

Why? Even if the person is on JSA of £60 a week, that money is to provide his keep, but anyway, thats moot if you won't ask.

Good luck.

Vader

moomoomama27

It's not worth the risk! While there are no written rules, in the eyes on the DWP you are comitting a fraud by claiming as a single person while living with someone. If it was a one or very occasionally, then it's fine, but if it's 2 days every week, or a regular basis, then it's a big no-no.

Tobiwan_Kenobi

Can you just confirm the benefits you are in receipt of - in your original post you don't mention any benefits received from DWP... You mention Child Tax Credits that are administered by HMRC and Council Tax Benefit that is administered by your local authority.

By having a partner stay regularly you are opening yourself up to people jumping to conclusions but, as Vader pointed out, living together is very much about contributing to the family unit.