Would this be ok

TheWaltons_3

If a couple were stuck living together for the sake of their children, as one couldn't afford to move out but was trying hard to, could they claim tax credits as single until they had got the deposit together to leave?

ukdickie31

Depends what Tax Credits think, not what we think.

carlos700

Could we not all say we were single if that was the case .I very much doubt it .

alwaysonthego_2

as above it is classed on the household income

TheWaltons_3

To do this, you would have to be legally seperated. Living apart, not like a couple... seperate rooms.. separate lives.

alwaysonthego_2

TheWaltons wrote: »

To do this, you would have to be legally seperated. Living apart, not like a couple... seperate rooms.. separate lives.

More like seperate houses

TheWaltons_3

alwaysonthego wrote: »

More like seperate houses

Not necessarily. I looked on the TC website.. and also checked on a legal site regarding benefits etc

Bagpuss1973

Unlikely. Especially as you have children together. If it was possible I would have thoughts every young couple would do it.

TheWaltons_3

If you are a single (or separated) person, you should make a claim based on your individual circumstances.

If you are

part of a married couple living together and not permanently separated, or
a man and woman living together as if you are married
you must claim together, based on your joint circumstances.

Currently, if you and your partner are of the same sex, you are not entitled to claim tax credits jointly but instead need to make separate claims, based on your individual circumstances and income. However, with effect from 5 December 2005, the Civil Partnership Act 2004 will be brought into force. This will allow same-sex couples to form a civil partnership and thus have their relationship legally recognised, if they so wish. When the Civil Partnership Act is brought into force, same-sex couples - both those who form a civil partnership and those who do not, but live together as if they were civil partners - will also be required to make joint tax credit claims, based on their joint circumstances and income. More information about the effect of the Civil Partnership Act on tax credits will be published later this year.

From the HMRC website.

You can do it so long as you are seperated, which would, I suppose, mean a legal document obtained from a solicitor.

bestpud

Ask your local cab for advice. It can be done but you have to be very careful and you will probably need to begin divorce proceedings with a solicitor. You also have to prove you are living independently, which is not easily done in an average size house!

Definitely don't do anything without obtaining proper advice.

Hth

Bestpud