Benefit entitilement help

kerryberry09

I am looking at moving in with my partner in september.
I am sudying full time on a postgraduate course for 1 year from september. Will me and my partner be able to claim any benefits together? He is currently receiving working tax credit and child tax credit as he has joint custody of his little girl. His yearly wage is 18000 and I will be a full time student. I am worried as I think it will be a big struggle paying rent and bills on just his wage. Any advice will be appreciated.

Caz3121

do you get funding/loans for your course?

leebee11_2

I am not too with it in regards to post-grad, more undergrad, but let's assume they are fairly similar.
What kind of home does your partner live in? Council/private/owned?
To my knowledge, you will not be able to claim benefits, not for the normal Uni year anyway. Will you be entitled to loans/grants? Child tax credits should not be affected as student finance is not counted as income for these purposes.
What outgoings will change? As in, why can he afford it now, but maybe not then?
I'm a student too, and I know the money worries are a pain! Sorry for all the questions but need to know to give better answer.
Hope it helps

kerryberry09

Post graduate students get no help what so ever. Basically I am taking out a career development loan to pay for the fees. This is like a normal loan except a company pay the interest while I will be studying. Receive no government loan or bursary, that is only for undergrad. Basically I am worried that his benefits will increase but our outgoings will increase if i move in.

themonkeybutler

Certainly the loan is not taken into account as income. If you move in together, you must tell the releveant parties you have dones so regardless of whether it increases or decreases your (newly) joint benefits - failure to do so is seen as fraud, and there are hefty penalties. To be honest, you moving in with the guy will give a slightly higher tax credits award than he is currently getting, simply due to the second adult element you'll receive. It wont be much. But if you look at it is this way - youre only paying one lot of rent/mortgage between you, youre splitting the bills etc - you'll be better off as a couple regardless.

kerryberry09

We will tell all the relecant authorities as I am an honest person and couldn't not I understand where you are coming from, however I will have no income whatsoever. So we will be worse off. One more person and no extra money if that makes sense. I am currently living with my mum.

nannytone_2

say you don't move in with him. where would youre income come from?

dmg24

nannytone wrote: »

say you don't move in with him. where would youre income come from?

Postgrads can take out additional CDL borrowing to cover living expenses.