benefits advice

angel1985

Hi everyone

I have a 10 month old little boy, I work 3 days a week and have a mortgage on a two bedroom flat. I have always been a single mum.

I've been seeing someone for a while now and we would like to take it the next step and for him to move in with me.

However I need to try and find out how this will affect me.. and him in regards to my tax credits and his benefits.

I work 27 hours a week earning £170, I also receive £110 child and working tax credits, and child benefit.

He currently receiving incapacity benefit and housing benefit.

Does anyone know, if he was to move in, how this will affect us?

I don't know if this relevant but i currently rent out the second bedroom (under the government rent a room scheme) in order to afford mortgage and bills.

ideally I would like to have the flat to myself so my little boy can have his own room, but I doubt this would be possible.

any help or advice would be great!

[Deleted User]

putting your "new"details into turn2us should give you an idea
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

BigAunty

Don't forget to factor in savings, rather than just 'losses' of benefit.

It is usually much cheaper for a couple to live together than apart but couples receiving benefits often forget that their energy, water, telecoms, tv, insurance bills, etc, often halve while transport and food bills are often lower.

Although your rent a room income is tax-free under the threshold of £4250 (I think) just because it's tax free, doesn't mean it isn't classed as income for income (means tested) benefits. It is income for the purposes of benefits even if no tax is due. The Turn2us online benefit calculator has a section where you can declare this and it will factor it into your benefit entitlements.

If you haven't declared the rent money on your tax credits application, then it's possible you've been overpaid.

EDIT - in April, MSE posters recommended that you report the absent and non-paying father of your child to the CSA in order that you receive 10% of his gross wages as child support. You would receive this on top of your benefits and employment income without any impact to them. How are you getting on with this?