It's very hard to interpret the rules for means assessment and I've no special knowledge I'm afraid. It seems that contributions to household expenses would be considered as means for certain welfare payments, but seems (as far as I can see) to be excluded for non-con pension. In any case "any money received in respect of rent from a person who lives with the pensioner, and but for that person the pensioner would be residing alone" is not counted as means. So maybe a simple workaround is to pay rent instead of bills. The rules are , but be prepared for a long read. Btw you mentioned a separation -- if there are any separation payments they are counted as means.