The benefit cheaters are violating the concept of welfare state

I couldn't afford to stay married and lose £200 a week benefits, says mother of seven children by four fathers | Mail Online

Divorcee Mrs Boucher told yesterday how she rakes in more than £30,000 a year in benefits - despite never having worked full-time - and lives in a smart four-bedroom home with her rent and council tax paid for.

But, were she to have a partner, she says she would lose £11,000 of that under the current welfare system which, through means-tested benefits and tax credits, makes it more profitable for those with children to live apart than to cohabit.

Mrs Boucher said: 'I'm better off on my own. You're penalised if you get a man.

'On benefits I get more money, you aren't rewarded for trying to be a normal family - you're better off single.

'I'd warn other mums to stay separated, otherwise you risk losing too much. I doubt I'll have a proper relationship again - I'm too scared of losing my money.'

The single mother claims income support of £44 a week, plus disability allowance of £194 a month, apparently for a back complaint. She also receives child benefits of £74 a week for her five youngest children, and child tax credits amounting to £12,000 a year.

The handouts allow her to spend more than £750 on presents for her children each Christmas.

The younger children have bikes and three computer games consoles to play on, while the family also have a 32-inch flatscreen HD television.