Lone parents if partner doesn't live with us

LegacyUser

Am I entitled to claim lone parents if my partner does not live with me and the children and is still paying maintenance for them?
We separated a year ago but recently decided we would try be in a relationship again but neither of us want to rush into living together just in case it goes bad again and confuses the kids.

So am I still legally a lone parent even if we talk regularly on the phone and see eachother twice a week? I don't want to do anything dishonest but not sure what to tell social welfare, ''yeah we are speaking to eachother a lot better these days and have even gone on a few dates''? Or is that weird?

Yoop

You should check out the Citizen's Advice or Social Welfare sites but I'm not sure if you would qualify; the allowance is intended to assist those who are either without the support of a partner or who are receiving inadequate financial support.

Taltos

Mod note
Better here in State Benefits OP.
For anyone who follows the thread from PI, please read the local charter before posting.

Hopeful2016

loneparentquestion? wrote: »

Am I entitled to claim lone parents if my partner does not live with me and the children and is still paying maintenance for them?
We separated a year ago but recently decided we would try be in a relationship again but neither of us want to rush into living together just in case it goes bad again and confuses the kids.

So am I still legally a lone parent even if we talk regularly on the phone and see eachother twice a week? I don't want to do anything dishonest but not sure what to tell social welfare, ''yeah we are speaking to eachother a lot better these days and have even gone on a few dates''? Or is that weird?

Are you parenting alone? Surely just because he has moved out, he hasn't stopped being a parent?

DanDublin1982

There is no hard and fast rule on this. Different social welfare inspectors will take different views on a situation like yours. The scheme is disingenuously called One Parent Family Payment (previously Lone Parent Payment) which simply isn't the reality as both parents are involved in a lot of cases.

If you feel your circumstances have changed then contact your payment office. Thats what you agreed to do on your application form. Anything else anyone tells you is simply opinion as like I say, there is no defined rule.

outtahere

loneparentquestion? wrote: »

Am I entitled to claim lone parents if my partner does not live with me and the children and is still paying maintenance for them?
We separated a year ago but recently decided we would try be in a relationship again but neither of us want to rush into living together just in case it goes bad again and confuses the kids.

So am I still legally a lone parent even if we talk regularly on the phone and see eachother twice a week? I don't want to do anything dishonest but not sure what to tell social welfare, ''yeah we are speaking to eachother a lot better these days and have even gone on a few dates''? Or is that weird?

Yes you should able! Part of the conditions is that the other parent is paying maintenance. They will take into account the amount you are being paid, they may half it and deduct this amount from the payment. Go to your local office they are all very helpful be honest about ur substation and they will help!