I called the claim line to start a claim, went through everything then had to have that claim scrapped and a new one started because of me mentioning my girlfriend. This was on the phone. I was then given a meeting time at the job centre that I attended and was told that I would not receive anything, so there was no point pursuing the claim. As far as I am aware, I was not told this by the person who makes these decisions, i believe he was merely going over my claim before it was moved further along the chain. I have never had a letter of rejection or anything that would show that this was an official denial.

Thanks for the sound advice everybody! When I first made the claim I answered 'no' to the do you live with a partner.... bit, but when giving the information about everyone else I lived with, i happened to mention that one of them was my girlfriend (becuase I knew some of her details), and the person at the end of the phone told me that I had to restart the claim and say 'yes' to the partner bit. I didn't foresee the problems unfortunately; especially as he pretty much answered that part for me.

I've just read through that PDF, and I'm certain that my girlfriend and I would not be classed as LTAHAW. What should I do?

I don't think my application was formally declined; I was just advised by a chap at the job centre that I would not get anything, and left it at that. I imagine this means that I can still pursue the same application, have it formally declined and then appeal? It would be great if I could just talk to them before it gets declined. I don't want to have to apply again because I'll lose the back payments. Thanks to everyone for being so helpful! I am able to get a copy of our tenancy agreement that shows each of the 6 of us named on the lease. I could also get bank statements from each of us showing the same amount of rent being paid for a month...

When I was giving information for the claim over the phone I mentioned that she was my girlfriend; I don't want to lie about anything! I had no idea that it would mess everything up so badly. I was actually later told that I didn't need to supply any of the information about my other housemates at the time, which is annoying because that was when I mentioned that she was my girlfriend. It did seem a bit weird going through 4 other people and their incomes etc when they have nothing to do with me except sharing the same roof.

Hello I graduated in July, and have been living in a house with 5 other people since. In November I applied for JSA and housing benefit, only to be told that I'm not entitled to anything because of my living arrangements. This is the situation: My girlfriend lives with us in the house. She makes over the £100 a week threshold that prevents a 'partner' from claiming JSA. This is ridiculous; she has her own room, pays her own rent (the same amount as the other 5 of us) in a 6 bed flat. We do not share any money and she in no way supports me, and even if she wanted to she can barely afford rent as is it. In terms of money or bills or everything else she is exactly the same as my 4 other house mates. She just happens to be my girlfriend. It's not like we're married or anything. I'm so annoyed about this... Does anyone have any advice that can help before I lose my mind!?