Tax Credits

Gizmos_dad

Hi,
Can someone please enlighten me on this issue.
Me and wife separated last christmas, I work f/t, she is a f/t housewife and she was receiving working tax credits. We don't talk any more and I think she informed DWP we are separated and they stopped the tax credits i think. It was a joint claim, however the money was going in her acc. My question is what is happening to that money?? Should that be still paid to 1 of us because we have kids or does it cease altogether?? Tax credits are a supplementary benefit because of me working??

Anyone clarify plse

enabledebra

Now you are 2 households you would each be assessed for entitlement to tax credits in your own right. There are 2 kinds of tax credits working tax credit for those on a low wage and child tax credits for those with children and a low income. A household can get one or both of these and your household before you separated may have had both.

If the children are with your wife and she is not working she is probably now entitled to child tax credits but not working tax credit

If you are working over 30 hours a week but have no children living with you, you may get working tax credits if your wage is low enough but not child tax credits.

helpfulperson

There are Working Tax Credits for people who are working but not earning a lot (see http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/benefits_and_tax_credits_for_people_in_work.htm) and Child Tax Credit for people who look after children on a small income (see http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/benefits_for_families_and_children.htm#child_tax_credit) If you qualify for both, they are paid together.