Benefits fraud

[Mavisdavis]

Hi
my ex partner has just received a letter from DWP Someone has reported him for working whilst on invalidity benefits.
we split New Year’s Eve 2020. He left for someone he met on tinder!
The house has sold and we are days away from signing the exchange contracts. Because he’s been reported for benefit fraud he wants to stop the sale of the house. He says that I should be paying his fine/overpayment with him because I’ve used his money as well. I’ve worked full time all the way through our relationship and went straight back to work as soon as I had children.
will the DWP take the proceeds from the house to pay back his fine or will they take it weekly/monthly from him? If he wants to stop the sale can I still go ahead with the sale though? Confused and worried!

[echat11]

Hi Mavis

I think your ex partner is using the house sale as 'leverage', so the fine comes out of the proceeds rather then from him. It's not a great situation for you. I'm sure others here can provide concrete advice then I can on this.

Nevertheless here's some info - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...-overpayments/

[ostell]

If you have the normal arrangement for the house then it will be tenants in common and you actually own half of it. They can't take from that half, only his. Though no doubt they will try.

[Mavisdavis]

We never married. Would that make a difference?

[ostell]

You would still probably be tenants in common, though not neccessarily so.

As two separate legal entities there's even less reason to take your portion

[EnglandPi]

You would still probably be tenants in common, though not neccessarily so.

As two separate legal entities there's even less reason to take your portion

I concur