Im On housing benefit- how many nights can my new partner sleep over?

[poopeeplops]

Hey, I have a new boyfriend and we been seeing each other for three months, he doesn't contribute anything to my place but I'm concerned how many nights he can stay over?? Does anyone know any details on this?

I remember reading somewhere that 2 nights was OK, but double check, because I'm not sure of the source. Suppose you can't just go and ask them?

There is no rule on this. They only want to know he is definitely not living there, so be careful about having any of his stuff permanently in the house. If your bills and bank accounts are completely separate etc legally you should be fine with as many nights as you like unless you have any neighbours who might report seeing his car there every day. Some people are vindictive like that, sadly.

GG is right, - no rule exactly. You have an obligation to inform them if there is a change in circumstances i.e. if someone moves in or out. If someone were to report that you had someone staying there and that you were a 'couple' they would follow this up with an investigation, - so be prepared to prove that he is not living with you and your finances are separate, that is he is paying bills for his own residence and you for yours.

i was interviewed by both housing benefit and income support due to a report that i was claiming benefits fraduently, (thanks ex MIL)

both investigators told me pretty much the same that there are no set rules (i mentioned the 3/4nights a week rule i had heard about) but if it can be proven that he his contributing financially or clothes and other bits are at yours you could be classed as living together,

i did provide proof that my partner had his own place

i was advised to judge the situation myself as to when we could be classed as living together

Thanks, this is really useful info!

What they will mainly be concerned about is that he has a tracable address of his own - ie not his mother's, which is a dead give away because mothers will lie for their children.

OK sorry - maybe I should open a new thread, but do you know how many days can a visit stay over without having to tell them?

p to 3 nights as if he stays over 3 nights he can get rights for tennancy I believe- thats the rule in the supported accomodation where I work anyway

My friend was recently investigated after her boyfriend's ex wrote to DWP telling them they were living together (which they weren't). The woman who interviewed her told her they couldn't spend any nights together and gave her a really hard time about it.

as mogs says, and as someone on another thread said, technically neither of you can spend any nights together, or you should at least tell DWP & HB every time you do. They'll really thank you for that level of constant information...

That said, it is more about balance of probabilities on a range of indicators, rather than the blunt instrument of who sleeps where how often.

i just phoned the council it is 3 night any more then it is fraud they class you as living together

As a fraud officer for 32 yrs I can assure you it is not 3 days , 2 days or 3 weeks !
You have to understand the fraud that is being (or not being) committed.
Living Together As Husband & Wife (LTAHW) investigations are looking at a fraud where one party claims state benefit as a SINGLE parent. The state gives the SINGLE parent an amount of money to live on because they are looking after a young child and are unable to earn an income to support themselves and their child/ren. Or , are on a really low wage and tax credits. It is this low income that qualifies for housing benefit.

In a LTAHW investigation we are looking at the 'conditions' of entitlement. Is this person a single parent, is the money available to support the claimant (and a child) EXACTLY as they have declared. ? Or is the claimant at a financial advantage to someone who does not have a partner.
Here are a three examples. Hopefully it will explain why the 3 night rule is a myth.
Sarah has 2 children under 5 and lives alone. Baby is a year old and cannot Work. She receives £150 a week and all her rent paid. She doesn't have a partner. She must pay all her costs from £150.
Susan has 2 children under 5. She is also unable to work. She also gets £150 a week and her rent paid. She has a partner who stays over 4 days a week. He comes over in the evening when the kids are in bed and leaves in the morning. They don't go out as Susan can't afford a babysitter. Her boyfriend has his own flat and own household expenses. He brings over a bottle of wine and takeaway once or twice a week. He makes no other contribution to the household.

Louise lives with her two children, doesn't work and also receives £150 a week and all rent. Her boyfriend stays over at weekends only as he works away and is 'registered' at his mums. (His post goes there and he pays Council tax there.) He takes Louise and the kids shopping on Saturday mornings. They go swimming together as a family in the afternoon. He has a car and both Louise and partner drive the car when he is staying. Louise's partner likes to watch sky sports , so he pays for the tv/telephone Wi-fi package. It's all in her name from before they met, so he transfers her the cost every month. Louise doesn't pay all her household costs from her benefit. Her food, phone and entertainment are funded by her partner. Her personal costs to run her home are substantially lower than Susan and Sarah's. She still has a few bills to pay but pays no food /phone entertainment, reduced travel costs BECAUSE she has a partner. All costs that she would have to pay if he wasn't there.

Sarah and Susan are not committing fraud. Louise is. It's got absolutely nothing to do with 'how many nights'.

Hi, i recently received a letter from dwp to attend an interview regarding changes in my housing beneft circumstances... long story cut short, they have received information that my babys dad stays at my premesis, i am a single parent, we are not together but he is always around for my boys, he has his own mortgage, how often is he aloud to be there? Im concerned as he is a great dad who is always there for his boys but i am now scared having him at my place as they said if they investigate me and see him there fraud will investigate me, has anyone been in the sane situation? I feel sick as my oldest son is 5 and he adores his dad, i dont want it to effect him, thanks

Seriously, what font says. I had the same, was reported by ex. The officer didn't even bother checking as they get so many malicious calls. I offered to provide him with proof our finances are separate and he lives elsewhere. They didn't require it. He stays over maybe 4/5 nights in a fortnight. I stay at his when the kids are away. I told them this and they were fine with it.

This is so sexist! Don't worry OP as long as he has his own place it SHOULD be fine.
I don't even rely on my child's dad financially. Never mind if I got a boyfriend, and if he slept over its not the government's business!!

I would claim housing benefits for my child not myself. I paid my own rent my whole life.

Hi today I received a letter saying I am no longer in titled to housing benefits! I have my 2 yr old and 18 yr old living with me. I receive universal credits. My daughter works full time and is now expected to pay all the rent. How do I get around this?

How many nights is allowed to stay at boyfriends if claiming benifits??

@Mazhol12345 The rule is that if the person on benefits. Is benefiting from the partner for example if they pay the sky bill or purchase food regularly then you are considered a couple as your funds are pooled.

Two of the most important issues we would look at is longevity do you have two children by same man ? A number of years a part.
...and how are you PERCEIVED by friends , family, neighbours. ? Would they describe you as 'in a relationship ' or 'on your own with kids'

Hi
I generally didn’t know I could not claim housing Benefit from child father I have been renting 7 years from him then hada baby with him
He doesn’t live with me and my kids

Got a letter I have a meeting under caution for contrived
Has anyone been here before and what happens

If they ask me questions and my answer no comment

What happens next