Benefits and having Guests

ultimatedingbat

Hi all
Not sure I'm in the right place but need some advice here.

I've been with my boyfriend for four months and on a regular basis I go to stay with him on weekends (at the moment it's every week Friday-Sun).

I got a phone call today from him telling me he'd been reported for having me living there.

He's on income support as he currently doesn't work and has a mild form of epilepsy.

I don't contribute to his house other than a bit of food I bring with me.

I normally only stay Fri-Sunday, sometimes go up late on Thursday and stay till Sunday dinner time.

I've only once stayed more than this but that was not planned: Long story short I went for my usual weekend, on the Saturday night he had an epilepticfit and had to go into hospital, so I stayed a few extra days to look after him. It worked out for him as I ended up helping decorate his flat that week. That was 7 days.

Where do we stand? I'm worried now I've got him in trouble by staying over as we were never told I wasn't allowed to visit and stay and I couldn't find much info on the net.

Indie_Kid

There isn't a set amount of nights you can stay over. It also depends on things like sharing bank accounts and bills being in joint names.

ultimatedingbat

sh1305 wrote: »

There isn't a set amount of nights you can stay over. It also depends on things like sharing bank accounts and bills being in joint names.

We don't have any joint bills as I dont make any contribution money wise to the flat. We don't have a shared bank account either.

KimYeovil

ultimatedingbat wrote: »

I normally only stay Fri-Sunday, sometimes go up late on Thursday and stay till Sunday dinner time.

Bit misplaced that 'only', isn't it?

ultimatedingbat

KimYeovil wrote: »

Bit misplaced that 'only', isn't it?

Not sure what you mean?

flutterby_lil

me neither!! confused.....

Lady_gaga

she means you stay several nights a week, every week...

DX2

ultimatedingbat wrote: »

Where do we stand? I'm worried now I've got him in trouble by staying over as we were never told I wasn't allowed to visit and stay and I couldn't find much info on the net.

Would it not have been better to phone the IS department and find out exactly what the rules were and what they consider as living with a partner, rather than just using google.

ultimatedingbat

Jsut to make things clear I don't live there. We are only in the early stages of a relationship as we've only been together 4 months. I'm not moving in properly, just visiting. I'm there more often currently as I am not at university so get to go up more often, but I am still only visiting so am not a live in partner. I don't give him any money towards bills when I am there, I just bring a little bit of food as I am on a special diet. I can't see how me staying Fri & Sat nights can be classed as living there when I have nothing of mine there. I don't get post there either.I can proove that I don't live there as I have 2 other address, one term time and one out of term. I have live in my none term time address for 19 years.

maxmycardagain

All he has to do is ask them to PROVE - BEYOND ALL DOUBT - that you co-habit, or to leave him alone, as its causing distress

dmg24

maxmycardagain wrote: »

All he has to do is ask them to PROVE - BEYOND ALL DOUBT - that you co-habit, or to leave him alone, as its causing distress

The Compliance Officer would decide on the balance of probabilities whether they are a couple for benefit purposes. Proof beyond all doubt relates to criminal prosecutions.