Claiming tax credits after split

Christopherrobin

Hello

I have recently split with my partner after 5 years and moved back in to my parents house with our baby. As great as my parents are being about the whole thing I can't stay with them forever as there is no room. I am sharing a box room with my baby, he is sleeping in a crib even though he is a bit too old, it is unsafe and very cramped. If I was in a one bedroom place of my own I would sleep in the living room so I could fit a cot, but there is only so much I can expect my parents to put up with.

My question is firstly am I entitled to apply for tax credits even if I am living with my parents? I've never claimed them before as our joint income was a bit too high. They are not expecting any rent off me but I am struggling as I am on reduced pay during maternity leave.

Secondly, will it count against me getting social housing for myself and my son if we are living with my parents?

I feel a bit lost at the moment and would appreciate some advice.

Caz3121

Christopherrobin wrote: »

My question is firstly am I entitled to apply for tax credits even if I am living with my parents? I've never claimed them before as our joint income was a bit too high. They are not expecting any rent off me but I am struggling as I am on reduced pay during maternity leave.

Secondly, will it count against me getting social housing for myself and my son if we are living with my parents?

I feel a bit lost at the moment and would appreciate some advice.

yes you can claim child tax credits. Living with your parents does not affect this

Getting social housing will depend on the housing stock available in your council, Waiting lists of many years is not unusual. If you are classed as homeless they may look at hostel/b&b which is not ideal. Maybe look at private lets. You can find the LHA rate for your area here http://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/search.aspx - you would look at the 2 bedroom rate (this is the maximum that would be paid and would be affected by your income you have) - claiming HB assumes you do not own property with ex or have savings over £16k