Hi finally got some legal advice advice, I have to pay the whole amount, because i have been pro active in trying to sort it out and therefore easier to chase for the money, What a fab responce. Just wanted to let you all know the outcome.

Hi everyone I have just had another letter back from the council. It says. "although he signed the forms in 2009, the only contact they had was with me, no notification was sent to him, (even though addressed too both of us) and due to a change in my income and an increase in child tax credits that was paid into my account. they have deiced that the overpayment cannont be split and is my responsibility. this seem so unfair to me people say single mothers have an easy time, but they seem to get shafted by useless men and government bodies left right and centre. does anyone know where i can get legal advise on this? as tax credits split any overpayment why are hb not the same. thanks

this is the letter i had from the council You have requested that the outstanding overpayment as stated above be split in light of this being created on a joint claim for housing benefit. Unfortunately there is no regulation in place that permits recovery proceedings of an overpayment being taken against a partner. As the main claimant you would have been made aware via our notification letters of your responsibilities as a claimant to make housing benefits aware of changes in your household circumstances. As the periods of overpayment are all prior to your housing benefit ending the overpayment is deemed recoverable from you, the claimant, in full. We have already set up a repayment plan, if this arrangement creates financial difficulties please find enclosed a financial statement that needs to be completed and returned in order to re-evaluate the repayment plan. If you have any further questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate I have written again so will keep you posted.

thank so far will keep you posted

no, miles away.

Thanks but I don't know if he is, hopefully I will never see or speak to him again. I cant go to the office as I'm now to far away. Apparently its my responsibility as I was the lead claimant what difference that makes when its joint, I don't know if I could have put in a half claim I would have. If anyone has any idea that would be great.

Hi all Does any one know if this is correct As a couple we have had an over payment in housing benefit, it was being recovered from ongoing benefit We have now split up and I have informed them and have moved out of the area. Now I have been told that Im responsible for the total amount even though it was a joint claim, you are unable to make a single claim for half the rent,so why am I responsible for his half. I am happy to pay back my half. but Im left holding the baby (literally) now a single mum of 2 how and he gest to walk away with no worries, he lived there too, I made the claim to make sure we had a roof over our heads, now I'm stuck with the bill and he doesn't even have to pay half, luckily I have realised what he really is after throwing me and 2 kids out of our home. I have written to the council so will just have to wait and see but was wondering if any body knows if this is even allowed with a joint claim? it was paid into his account not mine. Thanks hoping for good news.

Probaly didnt make myself clear, I live in a lha property which I claim hb for my boyfriend lives in a privet rented house we have seperate bills etc I dont want him to stay at mine because it is such a grey area but can i stay at his

Hi all, my first time here, i know the 3 night thing is a bit of a grey area, but does anybody know how often i can stay at my boyfriends rented house before we are classed as living together