what counts as partners for tax credits

lanabea

Hi myself and my childrens father live together in the same house although we are not together (separate rooms etc) I was advised by a friend of mine this week that we should not have a joint tax credit claim. I assumed because we are still living under the same roof we are classed as "partners". Can anyone advise?

Thanks

Mum2twins98

You could ask but they may well ask how can you prove your not partners, why can't you claim as a couple or is he planning on moving out soon ?

Sorry have to add sometimes it says 'living together as if your a couple' not sure this is for tax credits but might apply to all benefits

lanabea

Hi thanks for response. I am happy to carry on claiming as a couple and so is he. It's just my friend has told me we need to advise the tax credit office that we are not partners because herself and her husband are living together but not together and tax credit people have cancelled their joint application and she is now a single claimant.

So I am just a bit confused ........

AsknAnswer2

I had to end my joint claim and claim as a single person in the same circumstances too. Tax credit are very different to DWP benefits.

You should contact tax credit and advise them of your circumstances, and ask them whether you continue as joint claimants or as single individuals. Claiming as a couple when you aren't a couple is every bit as fraudulent as claiming as a single person when you are living together as husband and wife.