Any benefits gurus out there ?

[FirstOfManyNameChanges]

(as per username ...)

Friend mentioned an odd situation to me today.

Their DS25 is currently unemployed, having been off their last job with sickness (RSI due to their job) until the firm went bust in January.

They live with their girlfriend who also worked at the same place and who now has a job, whilst the guy is "still looking" and has a work coach they have to report to.

Apparently, my friend has been told by their son that because his girlfriend is working, he isn't entitled to any benefits. Hence they are now permascrounging.

I know very little about this part of life, but it doesn't sound right to me. My friend is also confused, and I know from previous stories that this usually suggests there's a bigger backstory.

However to return to the nub, how much does one persons earnings affect their partners claim to benefits when they are living together in a rented flat ? Also does the involvement of a work coach suggest a claim for benefits has been submitted ?

Many thanks in advance for any replies which are gratefully received.

If a couple are living together then one of them can't submit a single claim, it is worked out on their earnings as a couple.

They would receive a standard allowance of £578 a month between them and a contribution towards rent. Any earnings would reduce their benefits by 55p per pound, i.e. if she earned £1000 then their benefits would reduce by £550.

If he has paid enough NI contributions then he may be able to claim new style job seekers allowance which is not based on his partner's income.

Yes, a work coach sounds like he has made a claim for UC.

He needs to get another job. That's the crux of the matter - he's not been deemed sick enough to stay at home whilst she works her arse off keeping the pair of them.

And every penny he scrounges off his mum would be screwing over his girlfriend, as it undermines anything she may have said about him going back to work.