On benefits and relative staying

C.C.L.

Hi all, hope you can help with this.
Basically a young woman (19yrs) single Mum getting HB, CTB, CTC has asked me for advice today.
Her brother is at Uni, and has been in foster care since he was 6 years of age. His foster place has broken down while he is away from Uni for the summer break. His sister has said it is ok for him to stay with her until this is sorted out, and she has asked me if I know if her her benefits will be affected. He will only be staying with her a couple of nights a week as he mainly stays with his girlfriend, and he won't be paying his sister any board or food money (he will buy his own food) and will be going back to Uni in September. He may, as a care leaver be offered housing before this though.
Will his sisters benefits be affected by this? She doesn't want to see him with nowhere to stay but doesn't want to lose any benefits either.
It's not possible for him to stay full time with his girlfriend. The brother is also 19, not on any benefits but does get an allowance each week paid by Pathway Planning. Sister is also on Income Support, TIA C.C.L.

ceecee1

She cannot be classed as 'living together' with her brother as they could not legally marry so she would retain an entitlement to HB and CTB, Probably worth telling the local authority though as a deduction may be made as he could be considered to be a non-dependant living in the property.

RAS

People are allowed short-term visitor without this affecting their benefits, even from relatives. The problem could arise if the brother is living between Gf and Sis and both of them are claiming benefits. If he is really residing at GF's but not moving in permanently, that should be OK.

Just do be aware that folks are likely to report her for co-habiting unless she spreads the word that he is her bro.

C.C.L.

RAS wrote: »

People are allowed short-term visitor without this affecting their benefits, even from relatives. The problem could arise if the brother is living between Gf and Sis and both of them are claiming benefits. If he is really residing at GF's but not moving in permanently, that should be OK.

Just do be aware that folks are likely to report her for co-habiting unless she spreads the word that he is her bro.

Thanks for that RAS, he is actually staying at the GF's most of the week, and GF is not claiming benefits (she lives with her parents) as her parents are funding her Uni. Yes I can see where there could be reports of co-habiting, but most of the neighbours know he's her brother.