Tax credits - partner

saxomjc

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tyllwyd

This is what is says on the citzen's advice website:
"The maximum Working Tax Credit you can get is calculated by adding together different elements which are based on your circumstances. There is a basic element which is included for anyone who is entitled to Working Tax Credit. There is a second adult element if you are claiming as a member of a couple although there are some circumstances where a couple will not get this. You have to claim as a couple if you live with a partner. This includes a partner of the opposite or same sex. There is a lone parent element if you are a lone parent."
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_benefits_in_work_or_looking_for_work_ew/benefits_and_tax_credits_for_people_in_work.htm

BigAunty

Your preferences in how you organise your household and personal preferences, plus your same sex relationship, is completely irrelevant to how means tested benefits are calculated.

So, too, are your personal expenses and debts - benefits are calculated by household income, not on how a person spends their money.

The HMRC, local council and DWP, will always take into account the income of the partner in calculating it because benefit regulations are premised on the belief that a couple should mutually support and assist each other. This is a fundamental principle - your lifestyle and existing financial commitments doesn't come into it.

While you aren't happy about having your income classed in terms of being a couple, is it fair for hard working tax payers to fund someone who lives with another person of means with whom they are having a relationship?

I suggest you pop over to the Debt Free Wanabee forum for advice on how to manage your debts and download the MSE budget planner so you can work through the site and identify how to live more frugally as your partner will not get a penny in benefits.

System

saxomjc wrote: »

Can anyone advise me? I am in a gay relationship (have been for about 7 years now. My partner moved in with me, at my request, but I never asked him for payment of any kind as his financial status meant that he wasn't really able to afford to give me anything (which I knew and was absolutely fine with).
Since December of 2011 he started a new job, earning himself a monthly wage and has begun to give me some money at the end of each month to help me pay for bills. HIs income, having just started this new job is quite low and he wants to apply for tax credits to increase what he earns. He is definitely eligable as he is working a set number of hours per week.
My question is this. Does he have to state that he is my partner and will this affect his application? As it happens, I am on a good salary (33K), but this has always been completely separate and we have never shared any of the bills. The mortgage, electricity, gas, water, tv license...it is all in my name, as I had all of these in place, before I met him. It is going to be very annoying if I find out that I am just supposed to support us both, as I have a good wage. Surely, as someone who is working hard in his own right, is deserving of his own income which can be used to help buy himself things that he needs (clothes for example). On his current wage, after giving me a portion of his wage, there is barely anything left for himself. I certainly cannot affford to give him any money, despite my good salary. My mortgage is huge, as well as a personal loan which I took out before I met him. Is he not entitled to some 'extra money' for himself? It really annoys me as I know people who are literally claiming hundreds of pounds and not doing anything????
I would be grateful for any advice

Firstly you have just described my financial relationship with my husband when I went back to work. We had to apply for Tax Credits as a couple but our combined income meant we were only entitled to Child Tax Credit.

Secondly you say you don't share the bills yet your partner gives you a portion of his wage. If he didn't do that then he would have "extra money". What is his money for if not as a contribution to the household bills?

Thirdly not all parties in a relationship, gay or heterosexual, earn the same money and so they share.

Murgatroyd21

saxomjc wrote: »

Can anyone advise me? It is going to be very annoying if I find out that I am just supposed to support us both, as I have a good wage. I would be grateful for any advice

Awwww, is diddums upset they can't keep all their sweeties to themselves? Simple answer, chuck the other half out! Problem solved!!!