Will my ex staying with me for a few weeks to help with our newborn effect hb

Milly915

I became pregnant with my then boyfriend in Australia. Despite only being together a short while we tried to make it work. However, due to many factors it didn't work out and I returned to the UK when my visa expired last week. I intend to work for the next 3 months and then claim housing benefit when the child is born as I am not entitled to MA having worked in Australia for much of my pregnancy rather than here. My ex and I are still friends and he really wants a part in our child's life. He is intending to come here for the birth and stay for a few weeks to help out. It would be better for everyone concerned if he stayed with me and the child. While he is willing to pay maintenance towards the child's upbringing, I think it's unfair to ask him for rent when he's here helping as he works on commission in Australia so he'll be earning nothing while he's here. Also, he has no right to work in the UK and he's too old to get a working holiday. Will I have to wait until he leaves to claim hb? If so, I know it will be a struggle as I have very limited savings. Would it be best to have him stay at a friends? It would be a great shame not to have him there for everyone involved. Thanks.

pandaspot

It shouldn't effect your hb claim as he has a permant home in Australia (I assume) he has no right to public funds so therefore isn't entitled to benefits.

If the hb dept did decide that you were a couple, which I can't see happening, as in all respects he is here on holiday. he wouldn't be included on your claim either. But I don't think you could claim anyway as I recently had a similar claim, although the partner was here illegally with no visa. Your ex is just visiting, so it's slightly different.

missapril75

It should be okay. He's not normally a member of your household and you're not a couple.

It would raise a few questions if you declare an income from the father who happens to be there.

It depends on the wording of questions on the claim. If it asks if others live in your home or with you etc then you can truthfully say no.

Of course, someone may also "report" you for having a man there if they think you claim anything.