Benefits have I done something wrong?

[ReginaPhalange2]

Looking for a bit of advice as I’ve just had a letter to say I am required to have a compliance telephone interview in two weeks time.

The letter outlines that I am required to inform them of change of circumstances etc

My situation is this:

Dh and I agreed to separate one month ago

I left my job working for him for obvious reasons (I have accountant verification)

When I applied for benefits I told them he was in the process of moving out and then the flat fell through he had found so I called them and told them that and he was looking for somewhere else he is actually moving out Monday.

I have received £150 in benefits and once I got that money I stopped taking money from the joint account

I told them on the phone I had a sole account and a joint account. I want to leave the joint account so that I can see our joint debt being paid. I’ve not been told I could otherwise do this?

I told them on the phone I didn’t want to claim anything for housing help as DH is paying my bills other than council tax in lieu of child maintenance.

I got a statement of fact through and it had DH details on then asked for his proof of earnings. I called them and told them he was moving out hence the reason for the claim they said include a covering letter so I did. On my award letter it stated “your partner may have to attend a work based interview” so I still think they have this wrong.

Honestly I’ve been up front about everything. Have I done something wrong? Should I have waited until he moved out to claim but then how would I have any money when he’s gone? Should I not have taken any money from my DH since the date I claimed but how could I live otherwise?

I’m job hunting but I need to settle my three year old in Nursery for a few weeks in September so can’t do anything until that’s done as he has been at home with me every day his whole life.

Seriously I’m stressing they haven’t got anything right so far I’m thinking about asking for a data subject access report and a transcript of my telephone calls to cover my back!

Anyone any experience with this?

What benefits have you claimed? Do you rent or have a mortgage? Do you have savings with your DH? That can affect the amount of benefits you receive. Any maintenance he pays you is not means tested.

No experience but they're probably just trying to make sure everything is correct as it's complicated if DH is still living with you. I have claimed benefits but I had moved into my parents house after separating from exh and we had no joint accounts.

Just so you know though it is a very complicated process to claim benefits and they often make mistakes on their end!

You can be under the same roof and claim as long as you're living separate lives.

It's best if he transfers child maintenance and you pay the bills out of that money. Are the bills in your sole name? I would switch them pronto. Does he pay the bills out of the joint account? I'd get him to switch to a solo account too.

I think you are making it complicated. What ex pays is maintenance.

Are you renting/ mortgage?
Separate everything out. Bills in your name etc
Then claim as single parent.
Hope it is quickly sorted