Info needed: Staying with a friend on benefits. Its effects on them?

PhiliDV

Hi there.

I'm staying with a friend while I look for somewhere to live (after being made homeless) and (hopefully) get a job.

My friend (single parent) and her family claim various benefits including IS, DLA and CB.

I am currently on JSA.

Can my friend be affected by my staying with her? Would her benefits be cut and could she be investigated?

We are only good friends and are not in any form of 'relationship'. I sleep downstairs on the sofa!

I contribute half my JSA each week to help with food, utilities, etc. I also do my share of housework and helping out.

I've found info relating to partners, but not friends.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks.

creditcardhelp11

The Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit could be affected by you living there. There could be a non-dependent deduction for you. However, if the claimant is receiving any rate DLA care then there would be no deduction for non-dependents (you). The claimant’s income support could also be reduced if she is receiving Middle or Higher rate DLA care, is classed as living alone and is receiving the severe disability premium on income support. If your friend is claiming only lower rate DLA care and is the claimant for the purpose of Housing and Council Tax Benefit it is unlikely to be affected bu you. However, if getting the severe disability premium (SDP) on income support then would likely be reduced by you.

If she loses the SDP on income support then it might be better if you claim Carer Allowance with Income Support and the carers premium (assuming you’re on a low income/savings below £6k). This is of course subject to you meeting the conditions for CA. If the DWP and or Local Authority believe you are partners then your claims for benefits (means tested) may be suspended whilst the claims are investigated.

PhiliDV

Many thanks for the above.

The council has said it's a £10 deduction each week for council tax and nothing for housing benefit, and I would again make this up for my friend.

My friend doesn't claim DLA for herself but for two of her sons who have Asperger's Syndrome, I should have made this clear in my original posting which I'll try and correct.

midnight_express

It's worth remembering that you don't have to be in a sexual relationship to be considered a couple for benefit purposes. How long do you intend living with her ?

McKneff

She actually risks having her benefits stopped altogether until she is investigated.

Any day now there could be an invititation for an 'interview under caution'

I would find a new place to stay as soon as possible to be honest.

PhiliDV

I only intend staying with her short term until I've got a place of my own organised.

I was just concerned that she may get into trouble despite just being a friend helping me out.

ceecee1

As long as it is considered to be short term you should probably be OK. One of the rules that is looked as to decide whether or not you are living as a couple as to whether it is a long lasting relationship. I dont think that a few weeks would qualify for that.

PhiliDV

ceecee1 wrote: »

As long as it is considered to be short term you should probably be OK. One of the rules that is looked as to decide whether or not you are living as a couple as to whether it is a long lasting relationship. I dont think that a few weeks would qualify for that.

No, it's not a long term relationship. My friend is moving away from this area anyway in the summer. I'm staying here. I'm only staying here while I get a place of my own sorted out. I've not 'moved in'.

There was just a concern as to how DWP might view it.