Benefits and a new relationship

moreconfuseddotcom

Hello,

I have never had to claim any benefit before. The following are my general circumstances and I could do with some general advice and thank you in advance...

After several years of caring for an elderly relative for which the need has now subsided, my company has not traded in a long time and I have lived on savings which have now turned into an unhealthy overdraft. I have a relationship and my partner (not live in) is on income support etc and has a stayaway ex.

I don't plan to be unemployed for long and I am attempting to build the business up again but we are looking to make a long term future together. I know that I will not qualify for contributions based benefits, but if we do move together now, will that fact affect her benefits adversely? Obviously once I start working again and can provide for them, that issue goes away because she will no longer need benefits.

Would I have to claim for her and the children? Because I have no NI contributions for several years would that affect her entitlement? etc.

Yes, I realise now that I should have been claiming for myself for the period that I have been caring but I guess a matter of pride (and having modest savings - much less than £16k) stopped me from doing that when I wasn't absolutely destitute.

I appreciate that no one can give me figures - I am simply asking what the entitlements are likely to be and would the landscape change for my prospective partner if we were to settle together now rather than wait for me to get back on my feet. Sure, the support for me while I do that would be great but I would rather wait say a year if need be than risk upsetting her apple cart, especially where kids are involved.

Thank you once again for any help...

[Deleted User]

if/when you move in with your partner then for benefit purposes you will be treated in every way as a couple

MrsManda

Any contribution based benefits your partner is claiming won't be affected. Income based benefits will take into consideration your income and savings but if you have less than £6000 in savings they won't make a difference.

If you put your details and those of your partner into a benefits calculator you will get a rough idea of what you may be entitled to as a couple.
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/ba/lp?_piref278_36249_278_36248_36248.__ora_navig=

Your partner will need to change her single claim to a joint claim for benefits.

RAS

check www.turn2us.org.uk - put in the situation now and when you move in. Not perfect but a starter.

moreconfuseddotcom

Thank you.

I will give the calculators a try before we make any changes