approached to be a witness by DWP

Bluevalentine22

sorry if this is in the wrong place.
DWP have contacted me with regards to my ex partner (we sepreated over 20 years ago- we were never married).
He is clearly being investigated for something. My involvement with him is around our youngest son who is now an adult but has additional needs due to mental health. My ex supports him now and supported me practically when my son was younger and needed support.

Any support has taken place within my house. My ex has never stayed with us since seperating, never contributed financially and has no involvement with the running of my home.

I know nothing about him in the sense that I dont ask him anything, I dont want to know.

I had a knock at the door where two DWP investigators asked to interview me. They said they had called but I have a phone line for internet not a phone, hence I did not get the message. I advised it was not a suitable time and re-arraned for them to come back. I was frightened as their presentation seemed authoritarian and wouldnt take no for an answer.

They arrived the following week and we discussed him being my ex etc. One questioned the other observed. I answered honestly and to the best of my knowledge but I felt very un easy. There was occassional comments like 'so there is none of his belongings in here'. I answered no because there isnt. Or the ending comment was around being called to court as a witness and I explained that I didnt want to be part of it. The comment was 'well you have to be careful with the job you have and your reputation ( I work for local government).

My query is, they want me to sign a statement. Do I have to? Do I have to be involved with this at all?

Any advice would be really appreciated.

TELLIT01

That closing statement seems little short of a threat and, at best, was likely to be counter productive. If there is no real contact apart from his helping your son I would be inclined to sign a statement simply to that effect. I can't see what would be gained by calling you as a witness but obviously can't say you wouldn't be called. Again, simply repeating what is on the statement - he supports your son who has mental health issues.

xylophone

You have not lived with your son's father for over twenty years - in all that time he has only ever provided practical support to your son (perhaps sitting with him while you were out/taking him to appointments) - he has never stayed overnight nor made any financial contribution.

You do not (and never have) claimed means tested benefits?

Does your son live with you and/or claim means tested benefits?

Was your son interviewed (if capable)?

I am wondering whether your ex partner can be claiming some form of benefit in respect of your son?

Bluevalentine22

thankyou, no he has not claimed benefits for my son. My son has his own claim supported by a mental health worker. My son is not able to be interviewed due to social anxiety. The questions were very much around my ex partner- how often does he visit- I cant give specific dates due to it varying on a day to day basis, some weeks every day when I am at work, some weeks once. Do I know if he owns a vehicle, no I don't. Do I know where he lives, no I don't, the children are all now adults and text him as and when they choose too. I would text him if there was something urgent i.e. my sons mental health had me more concerned than usual.

I am thinking I will write my own statement stating the facts and that I know nothing else. At least I know it is in my own words and not theirs.

clearingout

Are you sure they’re not investigating you? It sounds very odd.

poppy12345

Are you claiming any benefits? If so what benefits are you claiming?

xylophone

This is very strange - have you mentioned the matter to your son's father?

You yourself do not claim any benefits?

TELLIT01

clearingout wrote: »

Are you sure they’re not investigating you? It sounds very odd.

If they were investigating the OP they wouldn't be asking her to go to court as a witness.