I'm sorry it's not as simple as that.
Or everyone would be doing it !!
Hi Overthebow this falls into an investigation type called LTAHW. (Living together as husband and wife.
Every year parliament legislates an amount of money due to individual situations. Carers, low income, unemployed and Lone Parent the basis for this claim by the sound of it)
The payment made via UC is decided by the individual circumstances of that particular claimant. These are the conditions of entitlement.
When looking at this sort of case we have to establish the situation. A number of factors are considered. Staying over x times a week (there is no allowable number of nights where it is ok.. or not ok it depends on the individual. )
For example. If the child/children have severe medical needs where the other parent requires nighttime assistance with care . There would be nothing to prevent the ex partner/spouse from staying 7 nights per week.
What is considered following such an allegation is ;
Household income. Does the lone parent have the same money coming in to her or his household as a lone parent without the relationship type described. ?
Another example.
Mother A has separated . Ex partner has left the house hold entirely and sees the children EOW . No contact and pays CMS which is declared to UC(CMS is exempt from UC calculation) All bills, food, costs fall to Mother A. So from the legislated amount ALL her bills are from this source.
Mother B has a different relationship. They have separated geographically but the ex partner still contributes to the household. He does pay CMS but the children don't stay. He also brings groceries over 2/3 times a week when he may or may not stay the night. At weekends they go out as a family. Father pays every time or at least contributes. He pays for Sky. He pays car insurance for a car in his ex partners name.
Mother B therefore has a financial advantage and is not actually a 'lone parent' She simply has a partner who lives elsewhere. This is benefit fraud.
How many times a week he stays over is actually very low down the list.
Another major factor is 'perception' . Would your neighbours consider you a couple. ? Do your kids ? Wider family.
On the face of it this seems a pretty clear cut case of benefit fraud where this couple have contrived a situation to gain money they are not entitled to.
It is EVERYONES responsibility to protect the public purse . I would report this on the National Benefit Fraud Hotline.. or on line anonymously.