newly single. do i have to claim income support?

**lilly**_2

hi. i've just seperated from my partner.

i already get the maximum amount of child tax credits (ie the same amount as i would get if on income support) due to my ex being on a low income.

child maintenence will be £220 pm, so i believe only slightly less than if i claimed income support.

my question is do i have to claim income support in order to continue getting the child tax credits, and is income support necessary to claim rent payments and council tax relief?

i've been applying for lots of jobs this morning so i just really want help with the rent and council tax in the short term, without having to go to the social security office begging!

any help greatly appreciated.

**lilly**_2

sorry, ive just thought of another question. when i ring the tax credits helpline to tell them we are seperated will they stop all of the tax credits, or just ex's working tax credit?

im scared to ring incase i get left with nothing.

i would rather just not tell them we had seperated until i was in work, but i couldnt make the rent and council tax payments as well as normal expenses out of just tax credits and maintenence money.

how can i get round this? im very confused?

mummytofour

Yes they will stop your tax credits as you need to make a new application in your sole name.

For information I applied for IS on august 4th via the helpline and I have been told my case will not be looked at until next week. EVERYTHING is VERY VERY slow so please be aware of this. The IS being slow means I have not be able to sort my council tax out and am having to pay £128 pcm at the mo.


As a single person you will be able to apply for harship manual payments for tax credits from your local tax office.

bestpud

I can see why you are worried but you really are best to tell them asap and I would apply for I, even if you don't have to, as it will be easier if you do need it later on. Say, for example, you ex became unable to pay the maintenance (or just stopped paying it as some do!), it would be much quicker to have it increased than it would apply from scratch.

You have four weeks to notify tax credits of a change such as this, and you could end up in strife if you go over this. Don't know how long it will take you to find work but four weeks isn't that long if you need to go for interviews etc (depends on the type of work you are looking for I guess?)

**lilly**_2

most of the start dates are around 2-3 weeks time, so its not long to wait.

if the worst comes to the worst then thats about £100 council tax and £300 rent, so i'll just have to be imaginitive with groceries etc!

so, to clarify, you're unsure whether i could put in a claim for rent and council tax benefits stating my income as child tax credits and maintenence? having a look on the forms online it doesnt specify that you have to recieve income support, just that they will assess based on income, presumably from whatever source?

thankyou for your replies.

sara1880

You need to speak to the your housing benefits people NOW as in first thing tomorrow morning, And ask for the forms you need to put in a claim.( even if you dont end up using them)
I say this as they will only back date any help you may be entitled to, tothe day you asked for the forms. Also i would call income support people now and make a appointment to see them,

lighton

If your tax credits are monthly like ours , any changes i have to make , i do on day after my tax credits go in then i know i have 4 wks for it to get sorted. Sorry if this useless information but its helped us and most times things are sorted in that time

**lilly**_2

thankyou. i have decided not to tell tax credits about the seperation until i am in work, its seems like the easiest way around it. my ex has said he will not say anything and i will put his working tax credit towards the council tax and rent. i have told my landlord i might struggle for a few weeks and he is ok with this but says i must catch up again by christmas, so that will be fine.
i'll ring tax credits up with my new work and income details next month and change the claim to a lone parent award then.

thanks for all your help.

emason80

Lilly,

I would really urge you to apply for housing and council tax benefit. You do not have to be claiming income support, as they work it out on your earnings or what you have coming in, and from 27th Oct 2008 they will not take maintenance into account (which is obviously better for you).
You can even still get it if you are on a low income, so you may get it at a reduced rate even if you find a job.
I know it must be daunting, as I've been in your position, but its best to get as much help as you can. Even if the housing payment doesnt come through for a couple of weeks, it will be backdated and then you can catch up with your payments before christmas (when we all need extra!)
Hope you sort it all out.

Prudent

I think you would be best claiming IS, Under new rules you can keep £20 per week of child support, so you will be at least £80 a month better off.

kei_2

Word of warning, any payments of tax credits (WTC and CTC) you receive after the date you separated will be deemed a overpayment and they will look to recover it directly but your new award should be backdated to the date you separated assuming its within 3 months.