What is the definition of a dependant

Hi

As the title says What is the definition of a dependant in the eyes of the law, when it comes to benefits etc...

I plan on moving into a new place with my gf, sometime next year (once my divorce is finalised) she is currently on income support, housing benefit etc.. as a single parent, but with me working full time i went onto a website to find out what we could be entitled to and it mentioned dependants.

My gf has a little girl, and I have 2 children who do not live me but due to the distance between us I see them once a month and extended periods during school holidays and may the required child maintenance amount.

Would my children be classed as dependants as I pay towards their up bringing and my friend google defines a dependant as:

a person who relies on another person for support (especially financial support).

any advice?

I''m not really sure but i think for most cases a dependant is a child who lives with you full time and you receive child benefit for.

I would guess for benefits purposes your children wont be classed as dependents.