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Original poster

Financially linked?

72 replies

exookofa · 08/03/2019 09:03

Hi. I'm new and wasn't sure where best to post this. I'm currently on esa and pip and expecting later this year. My boyfriend is working, and I need to transfer over to universal credit since I've moved.

What I don't want to happen is that they'll take his income into account re my benefits or that of the child.

When I stayed with a previous boyfriend, they didn't take his earnings into account, but I'm unsure if having a child changes that. I'm just so confused and don't know what to do as he really doesn't earn enough to support us all :(

OP posts:
Tomtontom · 08/03/2019 09:12

Where does your boyfriend live? What is he contributing to the household?

Original poster
exookofa · 08/03/2019 09:16

Hi, thanks for the reply. I've just moved into his house which he owns on a mortgage. He pays for all th bills, but I give him a small amount each month. I was looking at applying for the housing element and essentially rent a room privately from him (like a tenant)

OP posts:
ABC1234DEF · 08/03/2019 09:18

Settles in to watch this go down...

Singlemumscum · 08/03/2019 09:23

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

Tomtontom · 08/03/2019 09:25

You are, without question, financially linked.

You must declare that you are living together.

Non means tested benefits will not be affected. Means tested benefits will take his responsibility income into account.

ForTheLoveOfDoughnuts · 08/03/2019 09:25

Im not sure why you think you'd be entitled to any benefits to pay for "renting" a room from your boyfriend?
Why would they not take his earnings into account?
I'm not sure if I'm missing something here?

Tomtontom · 08/03/2019 09:26

(Not sure where the added "responsibility" came from, but quite apt considering!)

Stabbitha · 08/03/2019 09:27

You need to make a application for universal credit jointly.

InsomniaTho · 08/03/2019 09:29

Your PIP won’t be affected.

Your ESA will and any UC for the child will be calculated on his income.

Why are you so worried? Is he tight with money? How have you not discussed finances with him yet?

TarragonSauce · 08/03/2019 09:33

You're creating a 2 adult family unit. Not becoming someone's lodger.
Why do you think you should continue to claim as if you are a single adult household?

Tomtontom · 08/03/2019 09:37

ESA can be means tested or non means tested (contributions based). OP will need to check which they are in receipt of.

iforgotwhatiwasgoingtosay · 08/03/2019 09:38

You are together, you live together and have a child together of course they will take his financial situation into consideration when calculating your benefits. My partner doesn't work but I do and I earn an OK wage, he doesn't get any benefits as my wage covers all bills as well as looking after the both of us, that's just the way it is.

Original poster
exookofa · 08/03/2019 09:39

He has a lot of outgoings and we've managed with having separate funds so far living separately. If that was to change (and genuinely I can't work due to health) I don't see how we could continue to afford to live under the same roof :(

OP posts:
Doubleorquits · 08/03/2019 09:42

You can't apply for the housing element as you aren't paying any rent. He pays the mortgage.
Yes, on the online form for UC, there are lots of questions about him.
You could lie and commit fraud, but........ well.......... consequences.

Tomtontom · 08/03/2019 09:42

You can't have it both ways.

What are these outgoings that are more important than providing for his child?

LyraLieIn · 08/03/2019 09:42

Which of his outgoings can he stop in order to support his child and its mother while she is unable to work?

Tomtontom · 08/03/2019 09:42

And do you have so little self worth that you're happy to be classed as his lodger?

Doubleorquits · 08/03/2019 09:42

Surely it's cheaper to live together?

ColeHawlins · 08/03/2019 09:45

What I don't want to happen is that they'll take his income into account re my benefits or that of the child.

Well those are the rules if you live with him.

You've chosen to move in a form a household together so the state treats you as a unit.

Doubleorquits · 08/03/2019 09:47

Ok, I get it now. You weren't paying any rent in your previous place as benefits paid that?

But now you will lose the ESA too, so will be entirely dependent on him financially and in receipt of no benefits?
Have you tried inputting the figures into EntitledTo? Is he a PAYE earner or self employed? You might be entitled to some benefits.
I would never advise a single mother to give up her home if she's solely reliant on benefits. Now you'll be solely reliant on him.
You better hope he's a guddun!

ColeHawlins · 08/03/2019 09:47

You can't apply for the housing element as you aren't paying any rent. He pays the mortgage.
Yes, on the online form for UC, there are lots of questions about him.
You could lie and commit fraud, but........ well.......... consequences.

They have to claim jointly. No way around it. If she tries to claim singly in this situation there is no way the DWP won't treat it as fraud.

So, yes, they can claim for housing element, if there joint income is low enough to qualify them for UC in the first place.

Doubleorquits · 08/03/2019 09:49

He may get tax credits or something on his income. You'll get child benefit. He has taken on quite a financial load to be honest. Thems the breaks!

iforgotwhatiwasgoingtosay · 08/03/2019 09:49

You are better off continuing as you are if he is not willing to support you completely

ColeHawlins · 08/03/2019 09:50

Have you claimed PIP OP? If not, look and see if you'll qualify. Also look to see whether there's any kind of self employment you could set up to give you an income.

Overall, you either need to sit him down and work out a way forward together and how you will share income, or you need to move back out.

Doubleorquits · 08/03/2019 09:51

What is his salary and what is the mortgage? Do you have any existing children or are you pregnant with your first?