Hubby left, I work fulltime- what am I entitled to?

crob83

Hi all

Neding some help please- hubby left last week (he had an affair) but is going to give me some child maintenance (private agreement, not wanting csa involved). I will be a single parent to our 2 year old. I am aware I can claim reduction on council tax but will I be entitled to any benefits? I earn 30k a year. Do I declare what hubby gives me on claim forms (genuine question, not intending on diddling anything).

Thank you

skintandscared_2

The quickest way to find out is to click on the "benefits check up" link at the top of this page. Sorry for what's happened, hope you're okay.

bobajob_1966

skintandscared wrote: »

The quickest way to find out is to click on the "benefits check up" link at the top of this page. And yes, you need to include the money that your ex will be giving you. Sorry for what's happened, hope you're okay.

Child maintenance is not counted for benefit purposes.

OP, on your income the only thing I can think of is tax credits.

BrettMorganxD

bobajob_1966 wrote: »

Child maintenance is not counted for benefit purposes.

OP, on your income the only thing I can think of is tax credits.

But would she be entitled to tax credits? I am almost certain I read somewhere you can't get them if you earn over £25,000 per annum

bobajob_1966

BrettMorganxD wrote: »

But would she be entitled to tax credits? I am almost certain I read somewhere you can't get them if you earn over £25,000 per annum

She would qualify for CTC.

headoutthesand

I would recommend going through CSA for them to calculate but then have him pay you direct rather than having them collect it from his wages. Thats what I do.

Rules with CSA have changed and if he stops paying you (believe me there may be some where he might be 'late'), they can only calculate it from the time they make contact with him.

All you need to say to him is that it's best to have it all calculated properly but that you'll tell them that you don't need them to collect payment.

It also means that he'll get reassessed after 3 years and if his wages have gone up, they'll notify you of the new amount.

CSA payments do not count towards benefit calculations but you will need copies of the paperwork from them if you are applying for a mortgage when you are on your own and want to count it as income.

Hope this helps

mylittlepeony

My hubby left in Feb this year. I earn £29,000 and have 2 children (7 &3). The only thing I qualify for is child tax credit. As my 3 year old is in childcare I get most of this paid for in my CTC. Maintenance payments are not taken into consideration for tax credits. We didn't bother with the CSA and have a private arrangement.

Hope that helps.

crob83

Thank you all so much. Yes, it seems as though I qualify for CTCs but not much, about £100 a month. Which equates to about one week of childcare!

Andwhen

My husband has left too. I posted two days ago and was advised to phone the Gingerbread Helpline. They are very helpful, and will post you some info. Good Luck with everything, it's so hard. xxxx

zagfles

BrettMorganxD wrote: »

But would she be entitled to tax credits? I am almost certain I read somewhere you can't get them if you earn over £25,000 per annum

Don't believe everything you read. It's not true.