housing benifit fraud

[1983]

hello,
i had been in a relationship for 5 years and my partner already had 2 children. when we got together we were both working and declared everything.
when we broke up we imediatly informed the appropriate authorities and my ex began claiming housing benefit as she had lost her job.
i love the kids as if they were my own and get on well with my ex. i also love seeing the kids on a daily basis. i just want to know what the rules are on times and visits and what effects my ex's benifits.

[jennawood]

If you are not the children's dad then you will obviously not be required to pay matinence or be contacted by the CSA. Just as long as you don't live with your ex while she claims she's a single parent it should be fine. I heard off my sister in law that you can have someone stop with you three nights a week i.e a boyfriend, and it will not be classed as benefit fraud. I don't see why the kids should not be able to stay with you some nights as it would just be like having a babysitter some nights a week or something. Also i don't think there would be a problem in you visiting the children daily as a friend. I hope this makes sense and has been useful.

[Kathyan]

The 'rule' that you can have someone stay with you for three nights a week is not true. I had this problem a few years ago. I was reported for 'allegedly' having someone living with me. I didn't and proved it, but I was told that even one night would be seen as co-habiting.

[themas]

There are quite complicated rules which should be used to decide whether two people are co-habiting. It is not just down to sleeping together, or the number of nights you stay over. Things like the way finances are managed come into it - e.g. if there are any joint accounts or regular contributions by you to her; also how your lives are organised - do you do shopping for her, does she prepare meals for you and so on. Also, if there was an investigation it might not look good if any of your possessions (clothes, razor, toothbrush, aftershave etc.) were in her house.

The above assumes you are still sleeping over at times, but I'm not sure from your query that that is the case. If it is just a question of you visiting to see the kids then it should hvae no effect whatever on her benefits.

[1983]

hi thanks for the help, i have stayed over before but only because my step daughter has been unwell and it has been really late when she has settled.
i believe it has been someone from my work that has shopped my ex as they no longer get on.
i have to say if we were together my ex wouldnt have had to be on housing benifits, as i could have claimed for working tax credit and came away with more money that way than what she was claiming when on benifits.
like i say, i think it is a certain member of staff where i work-i know i'll never find out for sure but i just got a feeling they did it.
anyways thanks for all the responses