When are you no longer a "single parent"?

emsywoo123

Right, posted this on families board, but thought I might get a more definate response on here.....

Random as this question sounds.........really when are you not a single parent anymore?! Is it when the other person moves in? Is it when you are in love? Is it when they go to your child's assembly?!!

I do not want to commit benefit fraud, but he does not (as yet) financially support us in any way.......not really sure where the line is...........

minimadtrix

Definitely when the partner moves in I'd say.

DaisyFlower

If he stays more than a couple of nights a week and you do things like shopping, eat etc together i'd say you werent single.

lil_me

Once you're no longer completely financially independant or when your partner moves in, whichever comes first IMO.

When he does move in, definately, they would say he should be providing for you, they won't care if he is/isn't, there are many couples who's new partner doesn't support them financially but they still have to claim as a couple.

jai_2

You are treated as a couple when you are living together and financially support each other

emsywoo123

ok, so even tho he *might* stay over once in a while, or I might make him tea, or he might pay for some treats from Tesco...........? LOL this is so complicated!

DaisyFlower

Totally depends on if the benefits investigator, if you were working i'd say when he moves in, on benefits the investigator takes things like shopping, washing, meals, nights stayed into account as well as other factors. They'll also check if he is registered on the electrol roll at the address he provides, ask to see bills and his rent/mortgage.

emsywoo123

DaisyFlower wrote: »

Totally depends on if the benefits investigator, if you were working i'd say when he moves in, on benefits the investigator takes things like shopping, washing, meals, nights stayed into account as well as other factors. They'll also check if he is registered on the electrol roll at the address he provides, ask to see bills and his rent/mortgage.

He lives at home still, so no bills etc in his name, but I am guessing he must be on the electoral roll. I am certainly the only one on it at this address. I am just scared that we spend time and money together, and I have seen so many threads on here about "interview under caution" etc and I do not want it to happen to me!

mitchaa

I take it the only reason you are 'single' is purely for benefit reasons?

Will it make that much of an impact when you are a couple? Will you lose a lot of benefits?

stazi

If he does not live with you, then for benefit puposes, you are still single.
If/when he moves in, then for benefit puposes, you are treated as a couple. If that happens, just make sure that you tell JCP/HMRC without delay.

haylibo

emsywoo123
here's Jo_R's thread on the same subject wich makes interesting reading. It's a bit of a grey area (and contentious )
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=757749