My partner thinks I should give him my working tax credit, who's right?

chiquita37

My partner is thinking of quitting his job to become a student, meaning our household income would drop enough for me (employed) to get working tax credit.

Although it'd technically be me getting it, I'd assumed we'd split it 50/50 since we split all household bills and childcare and our child benefit income equally. We've always paid for things half-and-half even though he earns way more than I do, because I think that's fair.

But I've just found out he assumed I'd give all of it to him. He says that if he doesn't become a student I won't get that money, which is true. So he's asking why should my income increase because he chooses to decrease his?

I'd actually thought of giving it all to him anyway, but asking him to deduct (my) half of the total amount from what I owe him (I was unemployed a while back and he paid the mortgage, but for me to pay him back my half, so I owe him a few thousand). But he still thinks it's unfair that I'd get to pay him back from government money that I wouldn't get in the first place if he doesn't do this student thing. He wants the working tax credit money, plus for me to keep paying him back.

So my question is, who's being unreasonable here? Me or him?

kazwookie

chiquita37 wrote: »

My partner is thinking of quitting his job to become a student, meaning our household income would drop enough for me (employed) to get working tax credit.

Although it'd technically be me getting it, I'd assumed we'd split it 50/50 since we split all household bills and childcare and our child benefit income equally. We've always paid for things half-and-half even though he earns way more than I do, because I think that's fair.

But I've just found out he assumed I'd give all of it to him. He says that if he doesn't become a student I won't get that money, which is true. So he's asking why should my income increase because he chooses to decrease his?

I'd actually thought of giving it all to him anyway, but asking him to deduct (my) half of the total amount from what I owe him (I was unemployed a while back and he paid the mortgage, but for me to pay him back my half, so I owe him a few thousand). But he still thinks it's unfair that I'd get to pay him back from government money that I wouldn't get in the first place if he doesn't do this student thing. He wants the working tax credit money, plus for me to keep paying him back.

So my question is, who's being unreasonable here? Me or him?

With the changes in the budget, I would check over the facts of credits etc first, then have another talk with your OH

[Deleted User]

I can never understand people who live together/are married who have this whats mine is mine whats yours is also mine attitude,we have always had one pot and have paid everything from that and either spent or saved whats left
i think you need help from relate not from a forum tbh

dippy3103

And if didn't become a student you would still have his wages coming in..

Icequeen99

dippy3103 wrote: »

And if didn't become a student you would still have his wages coming in..

And if she wasn't working he wouldn't get WTC if he just quit his job to become a student.

I rarely comment on situations and try to stick to advising on tax credits but I can't imagine living like this when you are supposed to be in a couple. How can you possibly 'owe' money from a period when you were unemployed. Sounds horrendous.

IQ

nannytone_2

i'd get rid of him and have all the money myself!
he can live on his student loans

missbiggles1

Is he going to split his student finance with you as well?

POPPYOSCAR

I also find it a strange way to live as a family.


However, being as you split everything 50/50 it would seem to me to be the way to go with this as well.

HappyMJ

Working tax credit is claimed as a couple so you split it...

If there is ever an overpayment they chase either one of you for overpayment so he's just as entitled to his share as you are to yours.

However, you're living together any income coming into the house should have the household expenses paid out of it then the remainder (if any) split as you see fit. 50/50 seems fair. You might end up giving him a tenner if that's all that is left. A good sit down and talk about household budgeting is in order.

FBaby

How do you feel about him deciding to pack his job to study? Was it something you agreed together as believe it would benefit the family in the long run (depending on the study as for many it won't make a bit of a difference, contrary to the belief) or did he tell you that's what he was doing without consulting first.

NYM

....Although it'd technically be me getting it, I'd assumed we'd split it 50/50 since we split all household bills and childcare and our child benefit income equally. We've always paid for things half-and-half even though he earns way more than I do, because I think that's fair...

In effect, he keeps more of his income than you get to keep of yours ?
Keep the status quo and split it 50/50.



.....and then book a meeting with a Relate Counsellor.