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benefits advice needed

3 replies

helpneeded · 08/03/2004 20:32

Had to change my name for this one as I am easily recognisable by my normal name and I could be incriminating myself.
the situation is this:- some frinds of dp's found themselves homeless, so he has let out his house to them for a period of 6 months (they are going to live abroad in Summer), he is charging them minimal rent which he is saving so that we can go away in summer, and he has been living with me, not giving me any money and so I haven't declared him to the benefits agency. His name is still on all the bills etc at his house. I don't feel that I am breaking any laws but am sure that it wouldn't be seen that way.
But tonight at 6.45 pm I received a phone call (number witheld) from a woman who said she was from The Department of Work and Pensions saying that she was calling about my maintenance order (not WFTC) and asking if my partner lived with me. I (probably stupidly) said that I had a partner but he didn't live with me. She gave no name, no phone number for if I had any further query and on reflection it seems quite strange.
May I say that I wouldn't put it past exh to start this line of enquiry. My dd's have never questioned that he is staying with us and just accept it all quite happily, ds did ask if he was living with us now and I told him that he was stying with us while his bathroom was being repaired!
So what should I do? Will I be being watched? If I change my story now and say that he is living with me will it look suspicous? How much can I be fined for this? Can I go to Jail? Will I get mumsnet access from my cell?

Am quite worried actually despite the flippant tone.

OP posts:
ScummyMummy · 08/03/2004 20:46

I think Tinker knows about this sort of thing? Hope someone on here can help. If not, try the CAB maybe?

Tinker · 08/03/2004 23:51

helpneeded - I asked some similar questions last year. Just looked for the thread and can't find it. I'll look again tomorrow or explain then what I understand the case to be (don't have a lot of time tonight) I'm no expert though but please don't panic.

misdee · 09/03/2004 07:52

technically, if your dp is spending 4nights out of 7 with u then he is living with u. i dont know about fines or anything. tbh if she didnt leave contacvt details, name etc then i'd be very wary as to whether or not its a real phone call. if u get another one ask for details and how to contact.
what benefits are u in receipt of? it is probably wise to let them know the situation as it stands, and state it is only for a 6month period.

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