How much information does a claimant's partner need to give?

offthegrid

Aren't they going to ask me where I've been living for the last 3 years though (or some form of, but where did you live last week)?

Thank-you everyone for the help.

Ames

They didn't ask where my ex had been living before he moved in with me. It's got nothing to do with eligibility for benefits so why would they?

missapril75

offthegrid wrote: »

Aren't they going to ask me where I've been living for the last 3 years though (or some form of, but where did you live last week)?

Ames wrote: »

They didn't ask where my ex had been living before he moved in with me. It's got nothing to do with eligibility for benefits so why would they?

It's not where one was living that matters it's the circumstances.
For means tested benefits, what one was "doing" immediately before a claim (or being added to someone else's claim) does have relevance.

There may be some income that 'overlaps' with the start of a claim (or the date of being included on someone else's claim).

There may be some capital issue to be looked at. Deprivation, maybe. Perhaps where someone was living previously was actually their owned property.

Going off the grid and then applying would be quite a good way to hide something that might very well have some relevance. Bear in mind, though, that looking up a NINO of, say, a new partner will reveal information that then doesn't need asking.

But from the original post, offthegrid should be able to answer any questions adequately.

rogerblack

Ames wrote: »

They didn't ask where my ex had been living before he moved in with me. It's got nothing to do with eligibility for benefits so why would they?

You were claiming income-related benefits, he had capital which he spent before he 'moved in', and they believe that he'd been living with you for years. (you would be ineligible for these benefits)

He has been out of the UK, and no longer passes the various conditions on residency. (he may not be eligible for income based benefits)

He has been living with you and you have been fraudulently claiming single persons council tax discount. (as not living alone)

He has been living with you, and you have been fraudulently claiming severe disability premium for ESA. (required to live alone)

You've been claiming income support and he's been living with you. (must be a single parent)

He has been claiming working tax credits on the basis of being single, while living with you.

He has been claiming housing benefit on another house while living with you. (can't claim HB if not living there)

Are some that spring to mind.

Ames

Sorry, I think I was being too literal - I thought the OP was talking about having to provide addresses. Of course circumstances such as capital, income etc are important, but from memory those questions are asked directly rather than through asking where you lived.

So, 'give your addresses for the last three years' wasn't asked, but 'do you own a property' was.

BoJangles_2

missleigh wrote: »

Yes, you will be, in effect, "forced" to claim more cash, if, as already stated, it is a means tested benefit.

Also, the likelihood of them asking a lot of questions is very low. Your partner will be required to advise the DWP of the date you have moved in, your name, date of birth and national insurance number, and whether you have worked over the last 12 months. If, like you, you have not worked in the last 12 months, they may ask how you have provided for yourself. Most responses, such as receiving help from family and friends, or inheritance (so long as it is not over the savings threshold for the relevant benefits) will not invite further questioning.

There is no need for you to disclose any details of the friends who have provided you with a place to stay. You are not completing a credit application, they do not need to know your last three years address history, or anything such like, just your current address and a postal address, if different.

Hope this helps, offthegrid. Let your new partner enjoy the extra cash!

Unless of course the new joint claim gives them less...

rogerblack

BoJangles wrote: »

Unless of course the new joint claim gives them less...

It is not always a concrete defense against an overpayment that you would have gotten less if you had given the correct information at the time.
You may have to pay back the whole amount - not offset against the amount you could have claimed. And pay a civil penalty.

missapril75

Ames wrote: »

Sorry, I think I was being too literal - I thought the OP was talking about having to provide addresses. Of course circumstances such as capital, income etc are important, but from memory those questions are asked directly rather than through asking where you lived.

Fair enough, but....

So, 'give your addresses for the last three years' wasn't asked, but 'do you own a property' was.

Obviously much depends on grounds for suspicion - or a particularly 'keen' benefits officer.

But one could truthfully answer "No" to the question about owning a property (or some other asset) and then have a relevant interest in an asset found out as a result of address information.

I'll refrain from detail so as not to aid others so inclined.