In a relationship but not living together

Db123_2

I'm currently claiming benefits as a single parent, my partner in the army and doesn't live with us, he stays a maximum of 1 weekend a month and has all his bills registered at his own address. We're hoping to get married and move into family accommodation some time in September of this year. Since we wouldn't actually be living together until we're married am I right in thinking that I'm not doing anything wrong? I imagine that if we did go ahead and book the registrar then the benefits office may automatically assume we're living with one another, I can prove this isn't the case, he pays rent elsewhere and is only in the same part of the country as me about 10% of the time. I've looked around online and can't find any information on this situation just hoping someone else may know?
Thanks.

Poppie68

Db123 wrote: »

I'm currently claiming benefits as a single parent, my partner in the army and doesn't live with us, he stays a maximum of 1 weekend a month and has all his bills registered at his own address. We're hoping to get married and move into family accommodation some time in September of this year. Since we wouldn't actually be living together until we're married am I right in thinking that I'm not doing anything wrong? I imagine that if we did go ahead and book the registrar then the benefits office may automatically assume we're living with one another, I can prove this isn't the case, he pays rent elsewhere and is only in the same part of the country as me about 10% of the time. I've looked around online and can't find any information on this situation just hoping someone else may know?
Thanks.

.You won't be classed as living together as you basically don't!
As soon as you get married and move in together you need to inform the DWP/Tax credits.

Guest101

I believe once you are married its a joint claim, regardless where you live.


But at present it's clear you don't live together. So you should be fine.

nannytone_2

in some cases you can be classed as a couple even if you don't live together.

is he the father of your child?
is he paying maintenance if he is?

[Deleted User]

After you get married a lot of the time he will be away, would you expect to be classed as being not a couple then? As I see it if you're a couple you're a couple.

Db123_2

venison wrote: »

After you get married a lot of the time he will be away, would you expect to be classed as being not a couple then? As I see it if you're a couple you're a couple.

No of course as soon as we're married and living under the same roof then I won't be claiming as a single parent. He pays both rent and council tax in the army digs so surely he can't be expected to pay two lots? Especially since he doesn't even stay here...

Db123_2

nannytone wrote: »

in some cases you can be classed as a couple even if you don't live together.

is he the father of your child?
is he paying maintenance if he is?

Yes he's the father of my child and he pays £30 every week. It's confusing trying to work it out, I've only recently started claiming benefits and the rules just aren't clear enough on what's classed as a couple as what isn't.
He does pay his own rent and council tax in his current accommodation and doesn't pay any bills here or anything like that.

Guest101

nannytone wrote: »

in some cases you can be classed as a couple even if you don't live together.

is he the father of your child?
is he paying maintenance if he is?

Neither of those would class them as a couple on their own.

Guest101

venison wrote: »

After you get married a lot of the time he will be away, would you expect to be classed as being not a couple then? As I see it if you're a couple you're a couple.

The system, thankfully, doesn't agree with you.


Neither do I.

Darksparkle

For tax credits, married couples claim as a couple unless they are separated in circumstances likely to be permanent.

nannytone_2

Guest101 wrote: »

Neither of those would class them as a couple on their own.

where did i say they would?

no one can give any advice unless the whole situation is clear.
the best way to get a picture of the circumstances, is to ask information.

or would you disagree?