Is this benefit fraud?

[SecretMinceRinser]

I've got a friend who claims as a single mum. Her fiance (and father of her child) works in another city and spends 4 nights a week staying there and 3 nights a week with my friend (different nights depending on work but always 3). He contributes a bit financially (but not much by all accounts) and friend relies heavily on her dad to subsidise her. I've often wondered if she should really be claiming as a single person. Would her fiance be classed as living there?
Will probably be flamed for this but even if she shouldn't be claiming I won't be grassing her up because she is a friend and her fiance is a waste of space and won't support her and her child will suffer. I'm just curious as to how it works.

Not sure why you are asking.

Curious as to how it works? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Well a mutual friend implied she didn't think she should be claiming as a single mum and it got me wondering. No reason other than nosiness really.

She's got a cock lodger. Benefit fraud, don't know, don't care.

And, siamo veramente nella merda.

I think you can have someone stay over regularly for 3 nights a week, anymore and you can't. I think. Not sure. Technically he's not living there I guess.

I'd tell your mutual 'friend' (some friend) to check out gov.uk websites to find out the rules for herself, or you can.

Mutual friend is not a great friend tbf. Can't be bothered looking it up but thought someone here would know in a single sentence

I love how the mere mention of benefit fraud is enough for people to cry troll. I didn't say she had a plasma tv etc. She is actually brassic and has to ask her dad for money which I know she finds embarrassing.

Not sure what will happen when they get married. She has said he will move in properly eventually.

Why are you bothered? Is it out of care or just plain jelousy?

If that is right aldi that's probably why he only stays 3 nights. Scared he will have to put his hand in his pocket.

Assuming you are just a curious friend who's worried her mate may get into trouble... why not ask her? Just put it nicely, how come he's allowed to stay or don't you have to declare it? For example. Make up another 'friend' so it looks like you're asking for advice?

Single people are allowed visitors and even sex without having to declare it.

neverfear What do you assume I'm jealous of? I have my dh here with me all week when he's not at work to help with the kids and I live comfortably.
I'm just a nosy bugger. And I can't exactly ask my friend.

Single people are allowed visitors and even sex without having to declare it.
Glad to hear it!

If he is financially at the property (mail getting sent there etc) then she will get caught. Tax credits use experian to do checks to see what money / bills are tied to that address,they get through most eventually (years)

There is no set 'rule'. But if he makes any financial contribution, stays more than one night a week and uses her address for any financial dealings, then she is at risk of being prosecuted for fraud. Sounds like she'd be better off getting rid, but that's her call.

While you're worrying about her situation...technically, receiving financial 'gifts' from friends or family members should also be declared and could affect her benefits. If she had cash paid into her bank account by anyone else or they paid one of her utility bills directly directly from their account, DWP could and do ask for explanations of this.

Friend works for Job Centre Plus and says she is coming under increasing pressure to report clients who are receiving financial help, or regular gifts, from anyone, family included.

If he works, he should be forced to support his own child, regardless of how many nights he spends there.

I agree she should get rid but I've given up saying anything to her cos the more I get on at her about him the more she defends him.

I think its someone who stays more than 3 nights a week is classed as living with you.

The fiance sounds like a tosser though ay.

Not just due to the fact he doesn't support her but he is also a heavy drinker (prob related) and is nasty to her. He is also nasty to her other kids that aren't his and does nothing for his own dd when he is there.

So it looks like she's not committing any offence then which is good. I must admit I thought she was (didn't say that to 'friend') as I thought if you are engaged you would be classed as a couple. I doubt he would have any financial stuff sent there.

The whole 4 nights a week thing is a myth. Her Boyf will be classed as living there if it seen as his main place of residence. If he gives that address to others, has post there, pays any bills it could be proven to be his address. The rule we use at work is that someone who spends 6 months a year on an offshore oil rig still lives at his address even though he doesn't sleep there more than 3/4 nights a week or whatever made up number of days people quote to try and avoid being prosecuted.

I'd be more concerned about whether he is paying child support?

What's confusing me is that they have a child together, are engaged, he's working but she's claiming.

I think they should probably get off the fence - sounds like they are together in a committed co- relationship but he works away for some of the week.

He wouldn't really pay child support with them being together would he? But he should be supporting her I agree.