tax credits, for couples who live apart

kev1691

hello, i have been searching hi and low for an answer to my problem but i cant seem to find one. my fianc!e as just given birth to our first child and we are not sure what we are entitled to in the form of tax credits, the problem is i am in the armed forces and live away, in may we are due to get married and then we will all live together as a family on base but that is six months off, and we are not sure how and what we can claim in the mean time, on the direct.gov site it says that if you are a couple then you need to make a joint claim, but if you don't not live together or are not married then you are single!! any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Kev

Cherry_Bomb

You can live apart and still be a couple.

You'll need to do a joint claim.

Icequeen99

Where do you live when you are on leave/weekends?

Where do she live? Do you share bills?

Have a look at the tax credits guidance here http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/ccmmanual/CCM15040.htm

Unlike DWP benefits, tax credits don't have any requirement that you live in the same household to be a couple. So even if you are unmarried and live apart you could still be considered living together as husband and wife.

if you read the guidance and are still now sure, ring the HMRC helpline and explain the full situation to them. Make a note of the date, time and adviser name. Then write to them confirming the advice given and that you are making a joint/single claim as per the advice. That way you will cover yourself fully.

IQ

tomjonesrules

Where do you live when you are on leave?

(Beat me to it!)

kev1691

Thanks for the replies, when I am home at the weekends I stay at my parents, obviously I do spend the occasional night at my fianc!e parents, we don't see the point of me moving all my stuff for what at times maybe a weekend per month because I am not able to come home every weekend. Thanks again

p.s we share no bills

gingergee

cover all bases and ring the tax credit helpline, explain yr situation and they will help xxx congrats on the little one xxx