An unusual question regarding benefits (UK)

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

I don't really expect to get an answer for this here, but I can't think of anywhere else to go that's anonymous (to a certain level).

Hypothetically speaking, if one person got out of a seriously abusive relationship after a long struggle of getting out and going home to find all of their possessions destroyed, and then checked the bank to find that a payment for a joint benefit (in the name of the previous couple) had been made, what would the implications be for keeping this money for themselves?

A couple of notes: the payment is actually a backdated one. The abuser (who is on the claim) is unaware of the payment as far as we know, and has caused £1000s of damage to the abuse survivor.

As far as I'm concerned, the abuse survivor should transfer this money into a separate account and keep it for themselves, given that they are entitled to a large portion of it anyway and the fact that the other claimant has caused so much economic destruction to the survivor. On the other hand, there is the possible scenario that the DWP find out, or the abuser finds out about the money.

What would you do, revleft? Anyone experienced this before? Strange question I know, but I am very curious.

[La Comédie Noire]

Wait on it a year, if nothing, then buy yourselves some drinks and new furniture.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

Not a bad idea. The thing is that the person in question is in poverty as well which makes the money even more needed. The abuser has destroyed personal property, some of it very expensive and has also caused the victim to run up huge debts.

The person in question could take the amount that they are entitled to and post the rest to the abuser's new address, but most people feel as if the money should be kept, given the conditions.

[Quail]

If the benefit people find out, they'll send a letter saying "pay us our money back" but in this situation it sounds perfectly reasonable to keep the money and I don't see how anyone would find out about it.

[Jazzratt]

When they chase you up over things or threaten to take away money or benefits you do get a chance to explain it. If the abuse victim is fortunate enough to have their case seen by someone who hasn't yet had the last shreds of humanity ground out of them they should be able to keep the lot.

Plus as Quail said it's not like it's that likely anyone would find out so I would advise this person to take the money.

[Admiral Swagmeister G-Funk]

Thanks guys. It turns out that the survivor in question can take the money, the only possible implications are that the other claimant (the abuser) can report it stolen to the police, or the DWP will try and get it back.

Fuck it, that's nothing compared to the world of shit that led to this situation. Again, cheers for your thoughts.