making a new application to tax credits as a single parent

mowser

Hi

My partner and I have decided to separate and I would like to make an application to tax credits to get additional financial help for me and my two children. My partner and I are still living together in the family home, whilst we discuss how to move forward with the separation, sell the house etc

Is it legally ok for me to make an application to tax credits as a single person even though we are still living together and not physically separated?

thanks

vix2000

When my ex moved back in for a few months between rented accommodation he was told by them that we could both have single claims at the same address if we were not 'together'. I was a bit wary as I don't always think they give you the correct information, usually at my detriment, so I insisted on a joint claim involving the usual messing about at the beginning and when he left, but better than getting investigated or worse, but that is what he was told.

mowser

thanks for your reply. that probably won't work for me then as declaring his income on joint application will put me over the threshold for receiving any tax credits in any case. I guess I'll just have to wait until all of this is sorted out

mowser

thanks, will do

pmlindyloo

mowser wrote: »

Hi

My partner and I have decided to separate and I would like to make an application to tax credits to get additional financial help for me and my two children. My partner and I are still living together in the family home, whilst we discuss how to move forward with the separation, sell the house etc

Is it legally ok for me to make an application to tax credits as a single person even though we are still living together and not physically separated?

thanks

Have things changed financially since you have begun discussing separation?

I would agree that you should postpone making a single claim for tax credits until he moves out so you will need to discuss that he needs to support you and the children until that happens.

mowser

Not really, basically he became self employed 2years ago leaving a well paid job. What he has been earning or at least giving me isn't enough to cover his share of our mortgage and outgoings. Most weeks he tries to give me £300 sometimes nothing or a a week turns into 2 while I'm still waiting and have no money left because my salary has paid 3 mortgages and bills that have come out during 1st week of month. He accepts no responsibility for finding shortfall and I have had no choice to resort to credit cards to pay outstanding bills, and put food on the table and it has destroyed me. Can't see things improving now that we have decided to separate.

northerntwo1

mowser wrote: »

Not really, basically he became self employed 2years ago leaving a well paid job. What he has been earning or at least giving me isn't enough to cover his share of our mortgage and outgoings. Most weeks he tries to give me £300 sometimes nothing or a a week turns into 2 while I'm still waiting and have no money left because my salary has paid 3 mortgages and bills that have come out during 1st week of month. He accepts no responsibility for finding shortfall and I have had no choice to resort to credit cards to pay outstanding bills, and put food on the table and it has destroyed me. Can't see things improving now that we have decided to separate.

So a joint claim won't make much difference to your award or is it that he has money and won't give it to you?

It is possible to claim but they will scrutinise this and it's often hard to prove whilst you have joint finances and share a home. I'm not being argumentative but if they didn't look closely then everyone would do it.

Have you approached the CSA? Have you seen a solicitor to start separating assets and access to your children? Have you informed schools and or nursery that you are separated?

stevemLS

Why are you paying 3 mortgages?

mowser

I doubt I would get any money for a joint income claim whereas if got a single person claim I have calculated I might get approx £150 a month which would help a little. We have no money for solicitor and he wants to keep them out of situation. He is 'controlling' events telling me what's going to happen. Last week he wanted me to leave house and his friend would move in and 'buy' me out. This week 'we're' selling the house. But nothing is actually happening. I don't want things to drift along and not get sorted. He has accepted, this week, that the girls will stay with me, no discussion about maintenance. I have told the girls' schools, just need to decide what to do about paying mortgages in meantime and joint account which is £3500 overdrawn

mowser

One is the official mortgage on house other two are equity release mortgages for 2 debt consolidations over the years mainly built up by him. Bank wouldn't combine into one mortgage so we make 3 separate payments on each totalling £1400 month

northerntwo1

mowser wrote: »

One is the official mortgage on house other two are equity release mortgages for 2 debt consolidations over the years mainly built up by him. Bank wouldn't combine into one mortgage so we make 3 separate payments on each totalling £1400 month

I feel for you but the problem you have is that anyone and everyone could say the same.

Start legal proceedings and look to formally separate then make your claim when you have proof.