Housing benefits 😬

[Jody]

Hi

Housing benefit wrote to me today asking me to verify all my information and send supporting proof. I called them to go through what they needed.  While chatting she informed me any child maintenance should have been reported which I never have as I thought any child maintenance didn’t affect benefits so wasn’t required.  I once got told it’s not an income.  My children’s father has also just deposited Christmas money for my 3 children.  The advisor said any large amounts of money being deposited should also be reported (which Iv never done).  My ex always deposits the money under MAINTENANCE so its clear what it is and where it’s from.  His always provided for anything the kids need or ask for.  I’m now panicking.  Iv been trying to call citizen advice all day but couldn’t get through.  I feel sick and can’t eat.  Will this be classed as benefit fraud? Can anyone offer me any advice please?

[Kat2]

Hi There, I have just googled this for you and this I have copy and pasted from their for you –

 

I think you may of spoken to an adviser who didn’t have a great understanding of their job.
It is actually really nice to hear of an ex supporting his children without a fight. Well done both of you x

[Kat2]

Ok that didn’t work well, sorry lol.

Google said – Child maintenance payments should not affect any benefits you are claiming or affect the amount of benefits you are entitled to. This applies to all income-based benefits including Universal credit, housing benefit and tax credits.

[Jody]

Thanks Kat2.  The problem is they have told me I should still have declared it.  I didn’t think I would need to because it isn’t taken into account.  Also any large amounts should be declared,  my ex just deposited money for their birthday/Christmas.  They want all my bank statements.  I’m worried now 😞.

[Author]

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