Is this benefit fraud?

[spiderpig]

Hi

This is my first post on here (have been lurking for a while now!)

The question is actually for a friend, but if it spurs me into posting it can only be a good thing

Well basically she has 3 children and is woking and claiming tax credits as a single mum. She lives with her parents but she does have a partner, the older two girls are from a previous relationship but the youngest is her partners.

Now is she commiting benefit fraud? It seems to be a bit of a gray area to me? She is really worried she might be but her and her 'partner' are not married or 'living together as if they are married' although they hope to be at some point but for now it suits them to live apart and see each other regularly.

Does anyone know the answer to this?

Thank you in advance

Hi Spiderpig,

she is not commiting benefit fraud.

They do not live together simple as that.

If she gets any money off him on a regular basis i think she does have to declare it as it may affect her tax credits award.

Presumably the bf is paying "maintenance" for the youngest child, and this has been fully declard. If so then I think that it probably isn't fraud.

No she is not committing benefit fraud as they are not living together. If she receives any money from him then that will presumably be for maintenance for the younger child and maintenance is disregarded for tax credits.

Thank you all so much for answering

I have just text my friend with what you said and she rang me back sounding so relieved

I know it's been playing on her mind recently and that she's felt almost guilty doing 'couple' things with her dp (such as school parents evening)at least now she can stop worrying.

Thank you all again