Proving you HAVEN'T lived somewhere for benefit purposes!

hum_lovely

A friend needs to prove that he hasn't lived with his wife for the last 8 years while she has been claiming working tax credits (two children). He has been paying cash for rent and has no written agreement with the landlord. All payslips, bank statements, insurances etc have been posted to wife's address so IR are claiming he was resident there fore past 8 years and she/they will have to repay tax credits she was not entitled to. :eek: We have been trying to think how we can prove he was not resident but as he has nothing in writing to say he has lived elsewhere for that period it is impossible. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance..

rogerblack

Statement from landlord, or neighbours.

Regular withdrawls from his account on given days, to pay rent.
Signed statement from a reputable person that he appears to live there.
Documents regarding a complaint that the landlord is not appropriately registered.

Statements from wifes neighbours that he's not been around.
Perhaps even children.

lighting_up_the_chalice

Council Tax records?

bryanb

Utility bills?

shop-to-drop

Electoral role, countil tax, census.

marywooyeah

Why has all of his mail been going there for the last 8 years if he doesn't live there?

hum_lovely

Thanks Lighting up but the council tax is all in with the rent he pays (if it is declared at all by the landlord.....)

He always withdraws the same amount of cash every time he needs any so no pattern around 'rent day' could be ascribed to his account, thanks anyway Rogerblack. Statements sound like the only option - does this actually happen in practise though - are IR likely to do this themselves or is it up to claimant's wife to obtain these as evidence?

hum_lovely

Thanks folks for suggestions - council tax, TV licence, all utilities are included in his rent so that can't be used as proof unfortunately. As to why his mail etc all goes to his wife's address, what can I say - he is a man and takes the easy option!

lighting_up_the_chalice

The bottom line is that proving a negative is almost always impossible. That's why people still believe in God and Nessie!

Your friend will have to prove where he DID live. You cannot live at one address for 8 years in this country without leaving some sort of trail.

Of course, one consequence of his 8 year "invisibility" ending may be a few nasty bills (Council Tax, inland revenue, car insurance etc) also becoming very visible, very soon!

bryanb

Address on his driving licence? Don't tell me he hasn't changed it.
Most of what you've said is what people use to prove the have lived there!

cookies_and_crem

Are they actually separated or is he living elsewhere for work or whatever?