housing benefit - change in household members - advice please

groke

Hey everybody,

I let my friend move in with me temporarily, while he awaited a decision on a work placement abroad. The placement has since fallen through and he's going to be staying with me indefinitely, which I really wasn't prepared for :-\

The problem is, I'm receiving Housing Benefit (single room rate but it almost covers the full rent, because the rent is very cheap) and I'd rather not tell him about it. He's very critical of people on benefits, and, frankly, I don't think it's any of his business. If I told him I got Housing Benefit, he'd wonder why, and if I told him it's because I'm in receipt of ESA, he'd wonder why (because I don't have any obvious disability) and I'd rather not have to tell him all my health problems.

But obviously, I don't want to commit housing benefit fraud, so I'll have to tell the council he's living here. So I got a change of household members form. But on the form, I'm asked to provide his national insurance number and his earnings, along with proof (he's on a zero-hour contact and works part-time so I'm assuming wage slips would do)

So my questions are:
- If I get his NI number and pay slips and send them in (perhaps I could say that my landlord wants to see them), would they contact him at all? Like I say, I don't want him to know that I receive Housing Benefit
- Do I really have to tell the council, even if he's not giving me any money? He's talking about getting his mail sent here and taking out an internet contract, which makes it look very official

Please advise!

marliepanda

Are you getting single persons council tax rebate?

Why are you not taking rent money off him, especially when he is making himself at home?

missbiggles1

He's critical of people on benefits and yet he's happy to free load off you indefinitely? I'd sling him out!

Caz3121

groke wrote: »

- Do I really have to tell the council, even if he's not giving me any money? (

Yes you do, have a look at non-dependent deductions for your council. Based on his income, your housing benefit will be reduced by an amount per week based on the assumption that he is contributing

Hopefully someone else with more knowledge will come along but I do think this is likely to mean that you move onto the 2 bedroom rate (assuming he is not a partner) and your housing benefit based on that (although if your rent it lower it will be the actual rent amount that would be the maximum)

Also you lose your single persons council tax discount and a non-dependent deduction will also be made from your council tax support (assuming you receive this)

pmlindyloo

Several concerns here.

What sort of tenancy have you got? Or are you a lodger?

Is it a one bed place or do you share with other tenants? Do you pay council tax or is it included in your rent?

Does your landlord know your 'friend' is living with you? Is your landlord happy with this?

Depending on the answers to this will affect your HB question and CT liability and maybe your ESA.

For instance, if you are in a one bed place then your 'friend' may be counted as a lodger. You would lose any single person's council tax discount. Any rent he paid you would be counted (in part) as income regarding your ESA and you would lose some of it. They may start an investigation as to whether you are living as partners and you may lose your benefits.

It is a minefield so you need to tell us exactly your circumstances so we can help you and assess what 'title' your friend would be given - lodger/non dependent/whatever.

As already said you need to think very carefully about this. He cannot live there rent free. What about food/utility bills?

Chuck him out and let him find his own place.

You don't have to tell him about your benefit situation although he will obviously wonder what is going on if you don't go to work. Trying to keep things a secret is very stressful so sort this out now.

groke

Thanks for the replies everybody

We had a chat last night and I just reminded him that this was only a temporary thing and told him I wasn't comfortable with him taking-out 12-month internet contracts here.

I'm very non-confrontational so I'm counting this as a big victory :j

I said there no rush but he's gonna start looking for somewhere else. He's in a bit of a mood with me but I know I've done the right thing. After all, he was only here because he had nowhere else to go and he couldn't get another tenancy while he was waiting to hear about his application to work abroad.

Thanks everyone! Xx

dippy3103

Well he must wonder what you live on if you don't go to work.


Perhaps he could contribute to your rent & remove the need for you to claim if he feels so strongly about it..... He could put his money where his mouth is.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

If someone stays for a few days or weeks (such as a relative or friend visiting) then we would probably ignore them but if they start making things a bit more permanent (such as signing a years internet contract) that would mean they are more than just a fleeting guest.

If your friend is preparing to sign a years contract and having his post sent to your address that would make me think they have designs to be a more permanent guest for at least a year.

Bollotom

Taking out 12 months contracts? Obviously using your address but isn't on the council roll or tenancy? Credit checks must have shown him there in some sort of capacity. Dear oh, dear. You must get rid of him. He's a bum without principles and he'll end up getting you thrown out. Tell him you're on benefits and his being there, free, is putting your position in jeopardy. If he goes on about benefits claimants tell him to take a hike. :cool: