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!

Technically the tax payer covers all her bills.

It's every tax payers business.

So the OP can have their thrill of self righteous indignation or more likely nothing happens because there’s nothing untoward going on.
If the people who are convinced that their family, friends or neighbours are “on the fiddle” then do something about it if you’re that bothered or otherwise MYOB…

Why get married then? Many people here are quick to spout that as a family, you combine all your financial resources. Now you’re saying they shouldn’t, just get the government to bankroll her instead. Which one is it?

This....................

Sarcasm.

Exactly

Sorry you seem to have mistaken me with ‘many people here’… I clearly said it’s sensible that she doesn’t want to make herself financially vulnerable by relying on him when the kids aren’t his. Marriage isn’t just a financial thing, it’s a relationship thing. They’ve decided to do it for their relationship whilst staying separate financially, not a very common choice but it’s their choice to make.

Well this is complete BS.

As a single parent I would be entitled to £1000 a month UC - that money is to pay my rent, the CT (which has 25% for single discount), all utilities, food etc.

After essential bills are paid (rent, UC, utilities), I would have £100 a week left over for food and all other bills.

If I lived with another adult who didn’t work, we would be entitled to more help.

If I lived with another adult who did work then I would have been laughing as we’d have been financially way better off.

The women OP is talking about receives disability benefits which are not means tested and so she’d still receive these even if another adult moved in.

Considering they would have a second income and half of the bills, they would be considerably better off financially.

I can’t see how overall they as a married couple are better off by doing this.

Yes if he moved in she would lose some benefits, but between them they would have fewer overheads and he wouldn’t have his rent to pay so could contribute to hers.

So I guess there is some practical reason, probably due to the DC’s SEN, that means they can’t live together even though they have chosen to marry.

His income would be taken into account and potentially reduce any benefits.
If they are all living in one home which is owned that will also reduce benefits.

It sounds definitely financially advantageous for them to live separately but I don't blame the mother for wanting to retain her financial independence. There is also the relationship to consider - they may not want to disrupt the DC by having the DH move in with them or by moving the DC to his place.

The kids won't be kids forever 🤷‍♂️

You’re so jealous of this woman 😂

And? They aren't living together so aren't doing anything wrong. Why does the amount of benefits she receives bother you so much?

Oh no, you caught me! So so jealous

or maybe, just maybe, I’m fed up of paying a shit ton of tax so other people can take the piss…

Dont understand why people are mad at poor parents of disabled children instead of the billionaires who spend millions finding loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of tax.

Well, then. Why bother asking? You already know everything.

Well done you.

No definitely jealous.

It’s a quirk of the benefits system, and one that encourages this kind of inefficient use of resources.

If they lived together the system sees them as a single unit, and his income would be expected to fund the whole family. She would be potentially entirely dependent on him for money and accomodation. Leaves her and her children very vulnerable should the relationship change. Makes a huge ask of him in regards to fully funding them. Not everyone sees marriage as involving committing to that extent of financial commingling. They may see it as an exclusive commitment to each other as adults , but him not taking on financial responsibility for the children. The only way they can do that is to live separately.

Where do you think all this money comes from?

She would be better off. He wouldn’t.
Taken as a whole, also likely to be worse off, depending on what his income is. Don't forget she might not just lose her standard and child elements, she could also lose a disabled child element. Yes she would retain DLA and child benefit.

🥰

Thanks x

Omniscient and wealthy. How terribly modern of you.

.