Tax credits change of circumstances

Thinkthin

Hi all

I was a single parent with 3 kids up until a few days ago. I have declared my new partner to the Tax credits people.

I just wanted to ask why they need to know my partners earnings from 2014/15 when he has only been moved in a few days?

Also...and this is my big gripe...his income is a state pension (yep.. got myself an oldie) and his other work pension. He supports his ex wife and has done since he left her over 2 years ago. She has never worked and would struggle on her current income....Therefore he loses nearly £400 of his income to fund her. This isnt taken into account when I have to declare his financial status....if you can prove this outgoing will they take it into account?

I can see he's a decent man for doing this but in return it's stuffing me on tax credits!

Any advice if you have been through this is appreciated.

bloolagoon

His wife needs to claim benefits his income is yours now for benefit reasons

marliepanda

As its a voluntary payment to her, no. It's still his income. Awards are based on last years income but you can adjust it if you think this years will be different, but if he's on his pensions the income will be the same?

Was this payment laid down in the divorce settlement? We're there children with his ex wife?

Thinkthin

Yes they're voluntary but she's had them that long that she will expect them. It's complicated....she stayed in the marital home but she couldn't afford to run it.....it's his money at the end of the day BUT it's really creating problems for me

I'm still confused as to why they need to know what he's earned this year?....am I being an airhead?

Thinkthin

She's NEVER worked so I don't think that she will be entitled to anything??

bloolagoon

Thinkthin wrote: »

She's NEVER worked so I don't think that she will be entitled to anything??

She will if you let us know age and if renting or mortgage we will give advice.

Re income. It's only affective to calculate this years percentage from move in date. Nothing to worry about there.

marliepanda

Thinkthin wrote: »

Yes they're voluntary but she's had them that long that she will expect them. It's complicated....she stayed in the marital home but she couldn't afford to run it.....it's his money at the end of the day BUT it's really creating problems for me

I'm still confused as to why they need to know what he's earned this year?....am I being an airhead?

You're a household now. His income is you income. They need to know his income now and going forward.

His ex wife could be entitled to some income based benefits.

Was she not working because she was looking after his children?

zagfles

Thinkthin wrote: »

Yes they're voluntary but she's had them that long that she will expect them. It's complicated....she stayed in the marital home but she couldn't afford to run it.....it's his money at the end of the day BUT it's really creating problems for me

I'm still confused as to why they need to know what he's earned this year?....am I being an airhead?

It's the way the system works - your single claim will be closed and a new joint claim set up. That new joint claim will need all the usual details and be based (initially) on your joint earnings last year.

If your earnings this year are significantly different you can phone them when your new award is set up and tell them, and they'll adjust it.

Thinkthin

No....she's state pensionable age so only on basic state pension....no kids...no mortgage

Thinkthin

Thank you ALL ....Its good to come on here and ask for advice and get it for a change xxx....usually its someone who slates you

zagfles

Thinkthin wrote: »

No....she's state pensionable age so only on basic state pension....no kids...no mortgage

She would probably be eligible to pension credit.