Benefit fraud interview under caution

poppasmurf_bewdley

Mclark wrote: »

Hey it was ment to say 'our own addresses' not 'address'

Don't make a mistake like that during the interview!

Caz3121

I think posts #3 and #5 cover it. I don't think your issue is proving he had an address elsewhere as you have that covered. The issue is that the decision maker can class people as LTAHW even if they have separate addresses

thorsoak

If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck ...........

Mclark_2

Caz3121 wrote: »

I think posts #3 and #5 cover it. I don't think your issue is proving he had an address elsewhere as you have that covered. The issue is that the decision maker can class people as LTAHW even if they have separate addresses

Yes the more I read I believe you are right. I have spoke to a solicitor and he has said I have done nothing wrong and all I can do is show my evidence and tell the truth

NYM

Mclark wrote: »

Yes the more I read I believe you are right. I have spoke to a solicitor and he has said I have done nothing wrong and all I can do is show my evidence and tell the truth

I think it's a mistake to rely too much on a Solicitor telling you that you've done nothing wrong. S/he hasn't yet had the opportunity to see what (if any) evidence has been gathered.

Shelldean

Hi,


I was in a similar situation, although we never got to be investigated.
I was a single mum got together with my partner, and had twins. I suffered badly from PND, and with other issues in the relationship we decided to split. I discovered not long after the split I was pregnant again.


My partner was living at another address had post sent there, was on electoral roll there, we had no joint accounts, nothing apart from the twins and impending arrival of DS3 connected us. Totally separate lives. He did visit his young twin sons and my DD and helped out with them when needed (they was preschool and I had hosp appointments)
DS3 was born, and Partners address is even registered as different to mine on his birth cert. And we continued as before. However PND stuck again even worse. I was right mess, so when DS appox 8 mths old, he moved back in some nights just as a friend to help me cope. He slept in the babies room, he really was my saviour at this horrendous time. He wasn't here every night, but a few to give me some respite.
In my confused state I never informed the council or benefits, as I never considered us to be a couple. his moving in was a temporary measure to while I sorted out my PND with help from GP etc.


Anyway a neighbour I presume, 'told' on us, and we had a knock on the door - benefit investigator. I admitted everything, as I hadn't realised we was doing wrong. YES I know hard to believe but I honestly didn't think of us as a couple.
However my benefit was stopped immediately, as they believed we WAS living together.
it was concluded we was a couple, as we cared for the children as couple, we shopped together (he drove so much easier) we ate meals together, we did day trips together etc etc.


As it happened it did give me the kick up the bum to sort myself out. We did resume a relationship, and now 15 yrs later are still together even married now.


Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to explain the situation fully. At the time I honestly thought we wasn't doing anything wrong, looking back with a clear head I can see we was.




Given you've admitted to shopping, caring, eating etc together I'd say you'll be in the same boat I was.

FBaby

Are you only investigated for HB? How about tax credits?

I think it comes down to 3 things:
- Can you prove that you tried to call them to report his moving in, and that it was for the intention of telling them he had moved in, not something else
- that if you are claiming other mean tested benefits, that you tried to contact them (because otherwise, why would you call one agency but not the other?)
- that although you were in a relationship, it wasn't yet as a couple until recently, hence calling to report the change (back to 1 and 2)

Mclark_2

Hey thanks for reply - I have a pay as you go phone due to smashing my iPhone and not being able to upgrade until June! Am I able to phone up and get any kind of calling list?

Mclark_2

If what they see is lahaw wether I intended it or not (that how I think they will see it) what could happen then? If they can see i was genuine? If I knew they would see my situation like this I would never ever of had him here I'm going to phone tomorrow and see if I can bring interview forward

superbigal36

Ignoring the interview, have you now informed all the relevant authorities of your change of circumstances ?
Don't wait for the interview to do that.