This is a bit of a long story and I hope some one can help. I have had an interview under caution and been accused of benefit fraud dating back to December 2010. In November 2010 I moved from the family home I shared with my father due to personal reasons and moved into a flat 200 miles away. As I was unemployed my father was my guarantor. I struggled to make ends meet until December 2010 when I emailed my father stating that I was unable to afford to live, the housing benefit did not quite cover all my rent and my flat was electric storage heaters on a pre-payment key that I was putting nearly £80 a week on and still not having much warmth. My father agreed to start paying me a £150 per month towards the rent (as a guarantor he knew he would be chased if I did not pay), my electricity, my broadband and food. This payment continued until June 2012 when I moved into a rented house, the same price but with gas central heating. My father continued to help me financially with bills but the amount was reduced to £120 per month. I explained all this to the person who interviewed me but I was told that this should have been declared so that the amount could have been deducted from my JSA, thus meaning I would still not be able to pay my bills. All the paypoint receipts I had for my electricity when I was on a pre-payment meter were thrown away when I moved house, I didn't think I would need them again. I have had my JSA stopped and have been told its more than likely I will be charged and have to pay it all back. Is there anything I can do to get myself out of this situation? My dad was just helping me so I didn't become homeless, starve or freeze to death. I am worried sick about this. Thanks

Its been sorted hopefully. Thanks

My girlfriend lives in a rental property which is unfurnished except for a cooker, fridge freezer and washing machine. On Friday evening the washing machine packed up, she has searched the internet and had tried several online fixes, nothing that involves taking the machine apart but just stuff like unplugging it and letting it stand for an hour. She has emailed the letting agent about the matter but won't hear back from them until Monday morning as no one works at weekends. My girlfriend is concerned that the letting agent is going to come back and and say that she will have to either pay for the washing machine to be repaired or for a new machine. Neither of which is an option as she is currently unemployed. Can someone please advise as to what her rights could possibly be? Thanks

Hi I am currently an Open University student and as I am on income based JSA I get full funding for my course as well as receiving £265 in a course grant to pay for anything I need relating to my course such as travel to tutorials, stationary etc. This £265 went into my bank account last week and when I went to sign on on Thursday I was informed that my benefits had been suspended because I had received this money and they said it was money I could live on. The Open University informed me that it couldn't be considered when it comes to income for benefits. The adviser also kicked up a fuss and said my whole claim was being reviewed because I was studying with the Open University and therefore a student and not seeking work. Can anyone advise if 1. I am not able to study with the Open University and claim JSA? 2. Are they able to stop my money because of this grant> Any advice at all welcome. Thanks