Tax Credits & Divorce

GirlRacer_2

Wonder if anyone can help me please. A friend of mine was married and claiming tax credits for his wife's daughter. He then had a letter of tax credits to say that he'd been overpaid by £600. A week after receiving this letter his wife left him and moved into a flat with her daughter and informed tax credits of the split and she has since been receiving tax credits. Who is responsible for the overpayment? Can anyone advise please.

SuziQ

The award would surely have been a joint one,therefore the overpayment would be a joint responsibility. I have just had a letter about last year-our joint award apparently paid us £80 too much,we have both recieved the letter even though we are no longer togther. As her single claim will have closed the joint claim,it can't be recovered fom this years payments and will have to be paid seperately-however I am sure his letter will have the same line on the bottom that it can be repaid over 12 months if he phones the number listed.

I'm not sure what happens-ie if one refuses to pay do they demand it all off the other?

glitterkitty

they are both liable for the full amount.
0845 302 1429 - overpayment helpline