Any universal credit experts on here?

[Losingthewill1]

Have a question as friend has called me in tears and we can’t find an answer online.

They are living together. She isn't technically just staying there because she's not on holiday, she's moved in with him. It doesn't matter that she isn't on the tenancy agreement. She doesn't have any housing costs at the moment so should find a job. Bob needs to be honest about the situation with the council as he's no longer entitled to council tax discount. Why would anyone think they are entitled to benefits in this situation?

I bet Bob has asked her to contribute and she has some rosie idea that he would look after her and pay for everything.

It sounds like SHE has put herself in a vulnerable position. It seems a leap of logic (and sexism??) to extrapolate him being a financial abuser from this.

Both their behaviour, however, is potentially fraudulent. Tell her to get her name on the bills and to get a job immediately.

Not really Babycham. In a partnership you are both responsible for the living situation. If he wasn’t a bit off he wouldn’t be simultaneously letting her give up her own home and support network and also refusing to have a financially joint life together.

She does need to declare him as a partner or it will be a fraudulent claim as she is living with a partner whose income will be taken into account in assessing entitlement to UC.

She doesn't have to claim for rent/housing costs - she could declare that she pays no rent but that will flag up questions I. E why she doesn't pay rent and she may need to then state who does pay rent/lives at the property and so have to declare her partner anyway.

If she has worked for the last 2 full tax years and paid full NI she could be entitled to New Style JSA which has slightly different rules.