Move in with GF on benefits or not?

capricorn177

So my current situation is that I am self-employed, renting a flat on my own. I am dating a woman who is on benefits with 2 kids receiving PIP in a council house. What happens if we move in together and 'go legal'? What benefits does she lose and will I be financially responsible for the entire household? This is quite daunting for me as my health is declining and my ability to earn income is gradually reducing. If someone could help me out please.

calcotti

If you live together as a couple then all Means tested benefits will be based on your joint income and savings. Without more information it is impossible to say how she will be affected. Key things to know might include:

• If she claims Child Tax Credits as a single parent she must tell HMRC, they will stop and cannot be converted to a couples claim
• If she has a Severe Disability Premium in any existing benefits she will lose this.

Her PIP will not be affected because it is not means tested.

If you are willing to post details of her benefits and how much you earn it may be possible to give more specific advice. Alternatively go to a local advice agency with the details and ask them to do a benefits check.

MovingForwards

PIP isn't means tested, therefore she won't lose that.

Do you know what other benefits she receives?

How much do you earn?

How old are the kids and if school age is your girlfriend receiving maintenance from the dad? Or are the kids of working age and employed / unemployed / at uni?

You can check entitlement to benefits on the entitledto website. It will give you an idea as to what can be claimed, if anything.

Rent / council tax benefits / reduction will change with you moving in. But as you are already paying rent / council tax it may balance out to the same at your girlfriends place and you may not be paying out more.

The entitledto website will also give you an idea about what could be claimed overall when it gets to the point you can't work or its starting to impact on you.

Have a look at PIP and see if you meet any of the criteria.

As you are dating someone with kids, they come as a package with the mom. Maybe think twice about 'going legal' and moving in if you can't / don't want to contribute to the ready made family unit.

Members will be along later to discuss in-depth what your options are but it will help them if you can give them the above info.

FtbDreaming

Entitledto is very accurate about what you will/ wont get if you put the right numbers in.

It is a big commitment taking on a family though and you likely will feel the brunt of the financial burden.