Is my mum entitled to any benefits as my dad is working in Dubai for two years?

freightexec2009

Maybe a silly question but thought I'd put it out there..

My dad recently relocated on his own to Dubai to live and work for two years ( he will become a resident ). My mum does not work any more than 16 hours and has two children living with her ( of 14 years of age )

My dad pays for the mortgage, bills etc as standard

He also provides an allowance, yet mum is finding it difficult as not all funds are available at home.

Would my mum be entitled to anything at all as my dad is not a resident of the UK?

May seem a silly question, but thought if anyone could help would be great? Thanking you xxx

DX2

The only thing might be council tax benefit.

Robbie64

She wouldn't get any help with Council Tax as they are still a couple. The OPs mum will be assessed as one of a couple for means tested benefits.

Jowo_2

Has their relationship actually ended and is he planning to return? In other words, is she a single parent?

AnxiousMum

From what you have said, they are still a couple, he is still contributing to the household costs and expenses - they have not ended their marriage is that correct? If that's correct, then they are still a couple, and your dad's income (tax free?) will still be taken into account for any means tested benefits. Think of it like a military family - just because the one partner is posted overseas for a period of time, doesn't make the other a single parent and eligible for single person's benefits.

freightexec2009

They are still a couple yes, very much so

Thanks for your input everyone

freightexec2009

I do not appreciate your rude post. I simply asked a question of which some very helpful people have answered, I did not state that anyone was expecting anything

Jowo_2

I suspect his non-residency in the UK as they are a couple is irrelevant for the purposes of means tested benefits and that his capital and income will be taken into account. Nonetheless, that's more of a guess and hopefully a benefits expert can confirm or you can call HMRC and the DWP for confirmation.

Remember that the tax and benefit systems operate independently and a rule that applies for one may not apply for another.

Can your mum work more hours? Are the 14 year olds mature enough to be given a key to the house while she's out? Is she claiming child benefit for them as this will be around £33 per week?

dmg24

Jowo wrote: »

I suspect his non-residency in the UK as they are a couple is irrelevant for the purposes of means tested benefits and that his capital and income will be taken into account. Nonetheless, that's more of a guess and hopefully a benefits expert can confirm or you can call HMRC and the DWP for confirmation.

Remember that the tax and benefit systems operate independently and a rule that applies for one may not apply for another.

Can your mum work more hours? Are the 14 year olds mature enough to be given a key to the house while she's out? Is she claiming child benefit for them as this will be around £33 per week?

I have seen this discussed on an expat forum several times (by people who have confirmed their understanding with the DWP), and the non residency is not an issue - if they are still a couple, his income will be counted for benefit purposes.

freightexec2009

Jowo wrote: »

I suspect his non-residency in the UK as they are a couple is irrelevant for the purposes of means tested benefits and that his capital and income will be taken into account. Nonetheless, that's more of a guess and hopefully a benefits expert can confirm or you can call HMRC and the DWP for confirmation.

Remember that the tax and benefit systems operate independently and a rule that applies for one may not apply for another.

Can your mum work more hours? Are the 14 year olds mature enough to be given a key to the house while she's out? Is she claiming child benefit for them as this will be around £33 per week?

Thanks for your reply. My mum has had severe back problems ( prolapse, disc blocks etc ) so she has not been able to work more than 16 hours to be truthfully honest with you. She would love to be able to though, she is self employed. But this could potentially increase as her health is slowly improving with multiple ops and physio.

I believe she is claiming child benefit, but this is something I would need to check

Thanks for your help xxx

JC9297

freightexec2009 wrote: »

I do not appreciate your rude post. I simply asked a question of which some very helpful people have answered, I did not state that anyone was expecting anything

Why would you ask this if you weren't hoping she would be entitled? I too am amazed that anyone would even consider asking, presumably your mother isn't short of money because your father's income is low, rather he doesn't give her enough of it? She needs to do exactly what she would do if he were working in this country and tell him he needs to contribute more to the family income. Personally I think it is him that should be getting an allowance after all family expenses are covered, not your mum being given an allowance. Also if the youngest children living at home are 14 there is no reason why your mother can't work more hours.

Edit: crossed posts meant I had not seen you reply about your mum's health restricting the hours she can work.