Benefits advice

dazzer1467

I have recently split up with my partner but due to housing situation i am forced to remain living with her,we were both on benefits and have a 15 month old son,i am wondering where I/we stand on claiming benefits,do we have to continue our joint claim because we are still living together but not in a relationship or do we make seperate claims because we are no longer together ?

pmlindyloo

Have a read of this thread as it is a very similar situation although the couple were married.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4122367

dazzer1467

thanks but it seems geared all around the marriage and the legal ramifications of it so unfortuatly not much help but thanks

Any other help ?

pmlindyloo

You can make single claims but there will most likely be an investigation.

The relevant bit is:


Before the claim can be processed you will have a visit and will complete a living together form, LTF1, this is standard so dont worry.

I am not going to say that it is going to be easy but this situation does arise and there are procedures for dealing with it.

Not meaning to be nosey but you say this is due to your housing situation.

Anything we can help with/make suggestions?

Like the previous poster there is a possibility that you will be turned down as regards single claims so it might help to have a plan B.

dazzer1467

Like i said originally we were both on a joint claim and so have very little spare money so there isnt the money for a deposit for somewhere else,council are not much use because they are saying we have the correct number of bedrooms where we are now so arnt a priority.

thanks anyway

rogerblack

The simple fact of being married is not relevant to most benefits.
the term is 'Living together as husband and wife (or civil partners).'

This is living with someone, sharing the same household, in a relationship similar to a husband and wife.

This is determined by many factors.
Do you share time together as leisure activities, do you go out together, do friends view you as a couple, do you have children, do you share bank accounts, live together, sleep together, share a house, have expectations of fidelity, have not started divorce proceedings.

None of these alone is enough to push the case one way or another.
However, they may look at all of these sorts of things to decide if you're still a couple.

If you are not still a couple, and there is no reasonable chance of reconcilliation, put in single claims.
To do otherwise would be to fail to report a change in circumstances.

dazzer1467

thanks rogerblack,that clarifys a few things for me