Accused of benefit fraud!!

missmontana

OP I really do feel for you, its not nice having someone else decide how you live your life. What has his reaction been to all this? Is he willing to back you up in the appeal to prove he lives elsewhere?

Another thought...

It could also be seen that the bf is having his cake and eating it... he gets to practically live at her place, whilst managing to save enough money to buy his own!

drwho2011

marywooyeah wrote: »

I think the question was aimed at the "28%" part of your post - what is the significance of this number? would op not have had her benefits stopped if he stayed there for 27% of the time for example?

Well the significance is this, if someone is spending over a 1/4 of their time together then its pretty obviously not just a casual relationship.

I posted the % to highlight this fact.

But anyway, my partner and I both work, opposite each others hours so except for the 6-8hrs we spend together a day (of which most of this involves sleeping). At 8 hours a day that's 33% of the week.

Mupette

OP

you've said your arrangement suits you both, But it's not legal.
You have committed fraud, learn from this and move on, are the children old enough for nursery / school, a part time job perhaps.

And i am sure he does give you money for food and bills.

Unless he is a Eats, shoots and leaves kind of man, if so what kind of example are you showing your children.

Even if you think that you have done nothing wrong, what kind of bloke goes out with a woman, doesn't contribute to the relationship, do you really want someone in your life like that - well we know he does really..

And the father to your children does he not put his hand in his pocket? Time he did if he doesn't now.

Perhaps your partner can have your children in the afternoon for a few hours whilst you get a little part time job, bit of bonding for him.

This doesn't mean he has to settle down and marry you, but if he loved you and all that jazz he will help out.

mich2201

missmontana wrote: »

OP I really do feel for you, its not nice having someone else decide how you live your life. What has his reaction been to all this? Is he willing to back you up in the appeal to prove he lives elsewhere?
Thank you. He is gutted by the decision and will do anything he can to help me. I have a copy of his tenancy agreement where he lives, his landlady has been made aware of the situation and will also help. He has a longstanding friend who has written a letter in his defence. Its obviously causing us both a great deal of stress.

lovetowinacar

If you add up all his bills, rent, council tax, electricity, gas etc for his flat might it not be worth him getting rid of the flat and moving in since he spends almost all of his free time at yours anyway? You may actually be better off. It seems a shame to pay money on rent etc and then barely spend any time there.

david39

You have committed fraud,

I don't think the OP has committed fraud. That suggests that she was deliberately trying to cheat the system and I don't think that was her intention at all.

I think she was misguided and that the Benefits Agency are correct in withdrawing her benefit but, unless she realised that what she was doing was incorrect and has misled us as well, then she is hardly a fraudster in the true sense of the word.

It looks as though the Benefits Agency have taken the same stance at the moment as, so far they have not accused her of fraud - although, of course, this may still be under review. For her sake, I hope they do not ask for repayment of the benefits drawn, but this may also be in the pipeline.

mich2201

I have been considering that but I really dont think its an option. He lives out of town and only pays £400 a month for his place, its a rented room so there are no bills.
I live in town and my rent alone is £750 per month nevermind bills etc.

mich2201

david39 wrote: »

I don't think the OP has committed fraud. That suggests that she was deliberately trying to cheat the system and I don't think that was her intention at all.

I think she was misguided and that the Benefits Agency are correct in withdrawing her benefit but, unless she realised that what she was doing was incorrect and has misled us as well, then she is hardly a fraudster in the true sense of the word.

It looks as though the Benefits Agency have taken the same stance at the moment as, so far they have not accused her of fraud - although, of course, this may still be under review. For her sake, I hope they do not ask for repayment of the benefits drawn, but this may also be in the pipeline.

I know I have been naive and maybe just too honest. But you are right, there are far too many people out there who do so much more than just spend a bit too much time with their boyfriend!
I did make a point of asking the interviewer if it was ok for us to be together during the day, she said it was fine and the main concern was the evenings/nights he spend at mine.
I just pray that they will not accuse me of fraud or ask for money back

drwho2011

mich2201 wrote: »

I have been considering that but I really dont think its an option. He lives out of town and only pays £400 a month for his place, its a rented room so there are no bills.
I live in town and my rent alone is £750 per month nevermind bills etc.

Do you think its not an option because you will be expected to start paying some of your own rent?

uganda

mich2201 wrote: »

I know I have been naive and maybe just too honest. But you are right, there are far too many people out there who do so much more than just spend a bit too much time with their boyfriend!
I did make a point of asking the interviewer if it was ok for us to be together during the day, she said it was fine and the main concern was the evenings/nights he spend at mine.
I just pray that they will not accuse me of fraud or ask for money back

Look at my post number 29 - you may have good grounds for an appeal.