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Benefits and accommodation

Leah47
Leah47 Posts: 7 Forumite
edited 24 July 2016 at 7:35PM in Benefits & tax credits
Hi,
I claim benefits and they gave me a form to sign whether I live alone or not and also that I should inform them if this changes. For some days I may theoretically accommodate a friend without getting any rent. He also theoretically may have his mails sent here (from banks, etc) as he is may be between addresses. Will I have any problem with my benefits because of that? What should I do?
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Comments

  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 37,556 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    How long is for some days? Couple of days, weeks, months?
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,574 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Leah47 wrote: »
    He also has his mails sent here (from banks, etc) as he is between addresses. Will I have any problem with my benefits because of that?

    This is going to raise red flags.
  • Leah47
    Leah47 Posts: 7 Forumite
    edited 24 July 2016 at 7:36PM
    He may live few months per year. What could we do? Can he have his bank etc mail sent elsewhere? Maybe a PO Box or virtual address? What do you suggest?
  • Alice_Walker
    Alice_Walker Posts: 574 Forumite
    Leah47 wrote: »
    He lives few months per year. What can we do? Can he have his bank etc mail sent elsewhere? Maybe a PO Box or virtual address? What do you suggest?

    Declare he is living there?
  • Leah47
    Leah47 Posts: 7 Forumite
    How will that affect my council benefits? It's difficult to convince them I don't receive rent.
  • Mojisola
    Mojisola Posts: 35,574 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Leah47 wrote: »
    How will that affect my council benefits? It's difficult to convince them I don't receive rent.

    It wouldn't matter if he wasn't paying rent - it's whether he is living there that's the issue.

    You would lose your council tax discount if they decide he does live at your address. Having his post delivered to you is one of the tests they use.

    Where does he live the rest of the time - can he prove that he is not at your address. You don't have to put the answer on here - just think about it what proof he could provide.
  • suki1964
    suki1964 Posts: 14,313 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    If he is using your address for mail, then the dwp will assess that he is living there sap if he too is claiming as a single person
  • Leah47
    Leah47 Posts: 7 Forumite
    How will they know he has his mail sent here?
  • Darksparkle
    Darksparkle Posts: 5,465 Forumite
    Leah47 wrote: »
    How will they know he has his mail sent here?

    They have access to credit reference agencies.

    Where does this friend live when not with you?
  • Leah47
    Leah47 Posts: 7 Forumite
    edited 24 July 2016 at 7:36PM
    He can be between addresses and sometimes abroad. What are the consequences if they find out?
This discussion has been closed.
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