'blended family' and tax credits

stezario2

myself and my partner are planning to move in together later this year, we are both still married (on paper) to other people, but (obviously) separated.

now, i have one child who, according to the law, lives with her mum and is with me from friday to monday, and my partner has two children who are with her (and with their dad every other w/e).

what i'm wondering is, where will we stand re. tax credits etc (i had everything stopped when my wife left me). will i be able to re-apply when we move in together with her children? what will happen to her tax credits and benefits? (housing, will obviously stop)

we both work, she is self employed and i'm employed. neither of us draw a massive wage, but above the minimum wage.

thank you in advance if anyone can shead any light on what we can expect. i've found very little advice online.

zagfles

You'll need to make a joint claim with your new partner and her 2 kids. If your child's "main carer" (see link below) is her mother then you won't be able claim anything for her, the UK benefits system hasn't kept up with the modern world and can't cope with shared care.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/tctmanual/TCTM02204.htm

karenx

You can only have one claim for tax credits for the children. So you cant apply for tax credits with your child but you can have a joint one with your partner and her children. The mother of your own child will have a seperate claim

stezario2

thank you so much. i only ever come here with problems, i may be able to give out some advice one day!