Benefit checks - anybody else had letter?

dropintheocean

I've just had a letter telling me that benefits agency are carrying out checks on people and giving me the chance to "own up" to a change in personal circumstances without being penalised. Presumably suggesting that I'm living with a partner while claiming as a single mum.

Is this a random letter sent to a sample of people or do you think it's the result of being reported for possible benefit fraud.

I have been panicking that somebody has reported me - although I have nothing to worry about, my OH doesn't live with me - but it's making me a bit paranoid wondering who might be trying to cause bother.

Anybody else received this letter during last couple of days?

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

dropintheocean wrote: »

I've just had a letter telling me that benefits agency are carrying out checks on people and giving me the chance to "own up" to a change in personal circumstances without being penalised. Presumably suggesting that I'm living with a partner while claiming as a single mum.

Is this a random letter sent to a sample of people or do you think it's the result of being reported for possible benefit fraud.

I have been panicking that somebody has reported me - although I have nothing to worry about, my OH doesn't live with me - but it's making me a bit paranoid wondering who might be trying to cause bother.

Anybody else received this letter during last couple of days?

Does your oh have his own home that he pays rent etc for?

If not & he sleeps over regularly, eats with you as a family or goes out shopping etc with you as a family they may try to say you are living together as man & wife.

Unfortunately if you are on means tested benefits you have to live by the DWP rules.

queensavealot

Hi

I had one of these last oct/nov time.. Had only been claiming since May so thought it was a bit puzzling! I did think that my EX-SIL had said something as we had a row a few week previously and it all looked a bit of a coincendece (sp) as my and my ex wasnt back together but he had stayed a couple of nights as my daughter had been really ill!!!

I googled it as was quite scared and found that the wording on the letter is all wrong, it is just basically to update your profile with them! When the woman came round i asked her if a compliant was made against me and she said no ( but i suppose she wont tell you)

She just asked me if who i lived with, if i had a partner, what i was claiming, if my children's father came round, how often, how long etc etc

I dont think you have anything to worry about

x

coffeeandfags

I had one too in December. Turns out my DD leaving college and going to Uni, made the computer change my household details to include another adult.
Nothing to worry about if youre doing nothing wrong

dropintheocean

My OH has his own house which he rents and pays council tax and other utility bills on, he contributes not a penny to my household (everything, food and petrol included, are paid from my bank account so statements show this) but he does sleep over several times a week and he often eats with us etc.

We've got a great relationship. all the better for having our own space, and I don't want to be pushed into moving in together for fear of getting into bother with benfits agency. I don't think either of us want that level of commitment.:)

Breast_Cancer_Survivor

dropintheocean wrote: »

My OH has his own house which he rents and pays council tax and other utility bills on, he contributes not a penny to my household (everything, food and petrol included, are paid from my bank account so statements show this) but he does sleep over several times a week and he often eats with us etc.

We've got a great relationship. all the better for having our own space, and I don't want to be pushed into moving in together for fear of getting into bother with benfits agency. I don't think either of us want that level of commitment.:)

If he has his own house then I don't think there is anything they can say so try not to worry.