Esa, housing benefits help?!

[MrsTEntacles]

I was wondering if anyone was out there that could help me? I have trouble making phone calls or leaving the house so I found this my best option?

I’m a single mother of 2 children and I currently receive esa (not entirely sure which one) child benefit, housing benefit and child tax credits.
I have recently been very ill with pneumonia, vit d deficiency which both left me extremely tired etc.
I also have PTSD, severe anxiety and depression and possible BPD (BPD not diagnosed yet, currently on another waiting list for a psychiatrist)
I have had a friend of the opposite sex staying to help me out, not to mention with my suicidal thoughts my parents had asked if he could keep an eye when they couldn’t. He has helped with taking the children to school and other daily chores. As I said above I don’t really leave the house much unless it’s an absolute must.
I don’t think I would have survived without their help in all honesty and I don’t have many friends nor family members that I can rely on these days to help and I know I sound like a terrible person.
Anyway we thought it would make more sense if we considered him moving in full time.
Firstly I wanted to know if this is at all possible due to us being friends only and secondly I wanted to know how this would effect my benefits?
He recently was provided with part time work if memory serves right 20hrs a week on £8 an hour.

How will this affect my income? Will I still receive housing benefit?
I’d rather know what to expect rather than loose the support I genuinely need right now.

To add we don’t know if this will be a permanent thing but I don’t want to be seen as breaking any laws or not doing it the right way.
Any advice or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Must state I do not receive any extra income other than that stated

Hi

Yes, you would be wise to declare your friend living with you. You will no longer be entitled to your 25% council tax discount as you're no longer the sole adult in the house.

So long as you declare him to the council and the DWP, you'll be fine. They will take his income into account for housing/council tax benefit (I think....it's been a while but almost certain they will) but they won't for ESA as you're not a couple. To lie/not tell them would equal benefit fraud, you're always better off telling the truth.

Source: I am ex DWP employee (I escaped after seeing the light and hated every minute of that soul destroying job )

Not living together currently but have discussed it as it seemed to be a better option for now as it must be a pint going to and from.

Thank you for your response. I’m a natural worrier due to my illnesses so everything seems it’s worst.

I recently did try to apply for another occupant online but it was rejected due to him not being a patented I imagine so I was confused.