Couples who live separately so they get additional financial support

[slimline]

A couple I know got married over a year ago, yet they still live separately. She has two children from a previous relationship and lives in a 3 bed house. He lives in a 2 bed house and has no children. I mention the size of their homes because it’s clear that there is ample space for the entire family to live under one roof. I can’t think of any other reason for their separate living arrangements (considering they have made a commitment to each other through marriage) aside from financial security, as her eldest child has SEN and she doesn’t work. He is working, which I assume could complicate things if he were to move in. Yes, I understand it’s legal, but I can’t help but think they’re taking advantage of the system in some way. This isn't the first time I've heard of couples or families living apart in order to increase their income. I’m ready to be accused of benefit bashing or called all the names under the sun. Don’t care sorry!

None of your business.

They're offsetting the disadvantage of not living together with the advantage of financial gain. I don't see anything wrong with that.

they will be funding 2 homes, 2 sets of bills etc. Ultimately it is none of your business and if it is because of financials then it shows a fault in the benefits system. No one should be worse off for living with someone they love

In what way are they taking advantage? She would still not work because her child has SEN she would still get benefits for caring for her child which isn't his.

I can't think of any other reason...
I assume...

So you actually know nothing then? Right, gotcha.

Freedom of speech. I can talk about what I want. Who is going to stop me?

As @ShetlandishMum says. It is none of your business.

This isn’t anything new. It’s been happening for years.

Yes, people on benefits can lose their allowance if their partner moves in but that’s the choice they make when they decide to marry/co-habit.

Most people would probably prefer to wake up to their partner each morning and not having to watch out for curtain twitchers.

There could be many reasons why they choose not to cohabit at this time. None of these reasons are your business.

As a couple they would probably be financially better off maintaining one home rather than two…

You now sound rude and judgemental.

No one is stopping you to speak up about an issue you have no insight in. Carry on!

It’s pretty obvious why people do this.

My parents lived separately while being married for decades. Neither of them were on benefits.

Yabu and ridiculous. Have you considered that they are running two households and therefore have two sets of rent /mortgage/council tax etc? Not sure quite how it counts as "playing the system".

YABU, you do not even know the reasons and you’ve just assumed it’s financial. MYOB

and yet the world keeps spinning

How old are her kids? Not everyone wants to move their romantic partners in with their kids and I think that should be commended.

My classmates mum wasn’t receiving benefits and she lived apart from her fiancé (now husband) from when her daughter was 8 until she was 20.

Also not everyone wants to live with someone else’s young children.

They could be doing it to avoid paying double council tax on an empty property.

You have way too much time on your hands OP.

YABU. You have no idea why tbey are doing this. There are numerous possibilities, including many ‘palatable’ ones. Why are you even speculating?

Yep. My sister and her DH were together 17 years 2 kids and both kept their own homes.

Both worked full time and didn’t claim a penny in benefits.

Technically, the taxpayer is responsible for paying her rent, council tax, and other related expenses, as she doesn’t work. If he moved in, she would lose some of that financial assistance, and he would be required to contribute to some of those costs.

It may be financial, she’s got a child with SEN who probably needs their own secure home (without a man that’s not their dad in it), and she needs the financial security. Moving this guy into her home would mean her and her children are financially dependent on him and would make her and her children vulnerable. Good for her for doing the best thing for herself and her children, and still managing to have something for herself (her marriage) while doing it.

Clearly you think this is wrong but you haven't said why you think they are taking advantage?

at least they aren’t living together and claiming not too, dh’s sister does this has done for sixteen years. No idea how she’s not been caught.

They both rent.