Job Discussion Forums

Tumblashu's parents · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 40

We both want to keep our housing allowances.

How do we do that?

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Usually, most employers' contracts state that if your spouse's employer also provides housing, you have to choose which you utilize. That way legally, there is no way you can both avail yourselves of separate housing allowances under your separate contracts.

Should you choose to try and deceive your employers, be aware that if they are not obtaining your spouse's residence visa (as is the case for most people), they are well versed in the benefits provided by other employers and they will yank yours.

Judson · Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 7

tmac-100 · Joined: 23 Nov 2006 Posts: 137

For HCT employees, working in 2 different Emirates does not work as far as keeping 2 housing allowances - well not for 2 friends of mine it does not work

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Some employers want a letter directly from the other employer stating that the spouse is not receiving benefits.

Sunburnt Individual · Joined: 20 May 2008 Posts: 91

I know a few couples that just took their housing allowances and their employer asked no questions. It seems like there's no clear-cut answer for this. Probably most depends on the employer.

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

HCT for one will only pay the landlord directly, unless you are part of the new get the money and get your own place (less than the regular housing allowance under the old system and silly, IMHO given the daily increases in rent since you can't opt back into the old system once you're out).

Afra · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Posts: 389

No matter which housing system you opt for at the HCT ( and I don't think that new employees can opt for the money as they are on probation) , you still have to sign the declaration that your spouse does not receive the same benefits. However, a private employer does not have to give a breakdown of a salary to the College. But I believe there has been recent litigation over this point.

holbrook · Joined: 14 Jun 2003 Posts: 60

There are two ways to collect double housing or even double education benefits. The best way is to have one of your jobs provide a leagal letter stating that your housing allowance is in no way funded (in any way) by the federal government. You can be in the same city or not, it doesn't matter. As long as it is 100% indendant of the government.

The other way is to work more than 150 kilometers from each other. It doesn't have to be in another emirate. For example I know people working for HCT that are married and both collect their full benefits. He lives in Abu Dhabi and her in Al Ain (160 km). However Sharjah and Dubai won't work because they are too close.

colt · Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 86 Location: Milky Way

A couple at HCT got away with collecting 2 allowances for several years. When they got caught, they had to refund the money and were fired.

In most cases it's illegal.