Use of Tax Credits as NRPs income?

shell_542

I'm a little confused as it would appear some people are being given differing information from the workers on the CSA telephones now, regarding tax credits and Child Support assessments.

It used to be all Child Tax Credits were used as NRPs income and then Working Tax Credits may be included depending on who earns the most in the NRPs household.

I know someone who has spoken to two different workers in the past week and both times have been told the only tax credits taken into account are working tax credits.

Anyone know anything about a possible change of procedure or is it just a case of wrong information being given out again?

sarflee

My understanding is full CTC is always included and full WTC if the NRP is the main earner, 50% if both NRP and NRPP earn the same, or nil if the NRPP is the main earner.

Where the confusion may lay is when CMEC new rules are introduced in 2011 it appears tax credits will NOT be included as income.

shell_542

Yes, that's what I thought was the case now ... But the person I mentioned has been told twice in a week that currently, child tax credits are not taken into account at all, only working tax credits.

I know what they are like for giving incorrect info though but was just wondering if perhaps there has been a recent change as with the whole "paying direct" debacle that hasn't been advertised.

If not, she just managed to speak to 2 different workers who have no idea what they're talking about. Scary.

gratefulforhelp_2

I was told it was "at the discretion of the caseworker" so if they like the NRP better, presumably they don't use them and if they like the PWC better then they will???

Kellogg could maybe tell us the real answer?

shell_542

If that's true, that's also scary!

gratefulforhelp_2

shell_542 wrote: »

If that's true, that's also scary!

Not just scary its :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

jeanettethree

gratefulforhelp wrote: »

I was told it was "at the discretion of the caseworker" so if they like the NRP better, presumably they don't use them and if they like the PWC better then they will???

That wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.... Ive had so many people tell me different answers every time I queried our assessment they just make up what they want ....

I would like to know the answer too as our Child tax credit was taken into account as income in our assesement and we dont get the WTC element as we earn over the qualifying amount...

kelloggs36

I don't know of any changes, but then I don't work there any more! It cannot be at the discretion of the caseworker - it has to be the same for all.

13Kent

Our PWC is deemed to have nil income (despite both her and her husband working in good jobs) because they get WTC - it is deemed by the CSA to be a benefit, therefore she is on benefits and therefore has no income. Our tax credits (and child benefit) are added up as being part of our total income, and our assessment is worked out based on this income.

gratefulforhelp_2

kelloggs36 wrote: »

I don't know of any changes, but then I don't work there any more! It cannot be at the discretion of the caseworker - it has to be the same for all.

I would have thought so too. Then its pretty scary they told me that.

s12s

Have just written to them last week to get a written response to this very question! I have been told very strongly by at least 2 different employees on the csa line that "tax credits are NEVER taken in to account in the NRP's income". I believe from this and their own site that is wrong and have now decided to get a written response from them as to whether they have taken them in to account or not. I understand that they may not be applicable in certain cases but they have told me they are never taken in to account no matter what.

I can see just from the above responses that is clearly wrong as there are NRP's who have had them taken in to the assessment.