I've been stupid and now panicking...

[BeautifulLiar]

DH moved out in April. I really didn't think we'd be getting back together so applied for income support etc. (Things have improved greatly however and he is moving back in next month when he's back from working away.)

Anyway in July DS saw the paed and she quickly asked me if 'stepdad was still around'. I was embarrassed to admit what had happened to said yes, no problems there. She wrote on her report that DS still lives with mum, mum's partner and two half sisters.

I've photocopied and sent this report with my DLA form!

I have anxiety anyway but now I'm really worried that I will be accused of benefit fraud. DH has NOT been living with me - I pay all the bills, he has changed all addresses to his mum's where he now lives. He isn't here that much and usually gets a taxi back rather than stay over as all of his things are at his mum's. DS even said during his ADOS "My daddy lives at his mum's house now" (but I doubt the paed remembers that!).

Obviously as soon as he moves back in I will be cancelling my income support claim and ringing DLA to tell them I'm no longer on it.

Please tell me I'm worrying unnecessarily? I feel sick.

[Runningtokeepstill]

If anyone queries it can't you say that you meant dh was still around in a parenting capacity and hadn't noticed that the paediatrician had put you all as living together? If you can establish that you are in separate households then you can provide evidence if needed.

Your local CAB or other advice centre should be able to help if you have any problems.

[BeautifulLiar]

Thanks Running. I didn't notice it and wouldn't have sent the letter so brazenly if I'd realised! Just counting down until I can come off income support and stop worrying that I'm doing something wrong all the time.

[Youarentkiddingme]

Dla is not a means tested benefit. IT doesn't matter if your a career on income support or a prime minister - you'll still get it if entitled for a disabled child.

[LyndaNotLinda]

What youarekidding said - DLA isn't means tested :)

[BeautifulLiar]

It's not that I'm worried about; it's the fact that to be eligible for income support I have to be living alone, and the paed has written on her report that DS lives with me and his stepdad, therefore implying that I do not live alone.

However I did think that DLA must be in a totally different department to income support, and surely they're reading the form on the basis of DS' needs, not trying to catch out would be benefit fraud?!

And thank you - I will inform tax credits if we're lucky enough to get DLA (spent so long looking after DS with no support his needs are just "normal" to us). Will it make much difference to the tax credits?

[BeautifulLiar]

True, Frusso. Fingers crossed!