House share & Benefits

LucyLoo2_3

My current housemate has just had a baby, we have been sharing a house for the last 3 years, we both work for the same company, but as a lone parent she has been told she may be entitled to certain benefits, while she is on maternity leave.

We have been told, possibly not reliably that while we are living together, my income may reduce the benefits she is entitled to? Is this correct? So I would be expected to contribute towards her baby, just because we share a house??

The current situation works well, i.e. I can't afford to rent alone, we are good friends, and I want to help with the baby, she wants me around too!

Is this true?? I'm a good friend, but not the dad!!

real1314

Do you rent the house? Is one, or both of you the tenant? Are you in any sort of relationship? What sort of benefits is she looking at?

Without these answers (and possibly more) you can only get speculative answers that are probably not much use.

LucyLoo2_3

We literally share the rent on the house, the tenency is in my name but I sublet a room to Vic, the LA & LL are fully aware of this. We both work full time but Vic is now on Maternity leave and after 6 weeks will drop down to SMP, she isn't sure what benefits she may be entitled to (as a lone parent), neither of us have ever claimed anything before! Just been told by a few people that Vic's ability to claim anything (e.g. HB, CTB) would be affected by my income? I don't understand how that can be fair?

TBF the baby was a bit of a surprise, I guess most people figure these things out before the baby arrives, but with 6hrs notice (it's another story!!) she didn't really have time! Now with a little one around, time is even more limited!

[Deleted User]

You did not state if you were in a relationship or not.

If you are in a relationship then your finances are looked at together, if she is your tenant/lodger and you can prove this and do not share your personal finances she should be able to claim benefits in her own right.(This would definitely be the case for Tax Credits, do not quote me regarding any other benefits, this will be clarified by someone else most likely. However I think it should be the same deal.) Whenever she claims something make sure she is up front about the arrangement so that it doesnt look suspicious if it is investigated at any point.

bestpud

Do you share any bank accounts etc and how do you sort things like shopping/holidays?

Where is the father? Is he contributing at all, or named on the birth certificate? Or has she split with him altogether?

It's a little bit vague (sorry) but as already said, it hinges mostly on whether the benefits people have some reason to asume you are in a relationship.

I would definitely get some advice from the CAB on this.