Help, being made to pay partners debts.

National_Debtline

Hello again,

YasmineA90 wrote: »

I'm on maternity but was told I'm not eligible to claim any other benefit (other than basic rate child benefit) due to being employed by the nhs I'm getting a relatively decent maternity pay compared to just smp alone.

He has not claimed any benefit while living with me due to no longer being eligibl, however I'm not too sure on whether he could or not.

Again, I think a quick online benefit check would help to clear this up. If there is nothing else you can claim either individually or as a couple, then you will be no worse off than you are now (but at least you will know for certain).

YasmineA90 wrote: »

He has had bailiff letters several times and I'm worried in case they do come and take things, most of the valuable items here are what I technically paid for, and my car too. I hate being all 'this is mine and this is his' because we are a couple but with money being so tight Im worried something I've been given/worked hard for/saved for is going to be taken away from me.

If there are bailiffs for council tax and/or HMRC then remember the golden rule - do not let them in. Keep the doors locked and hide anything outside the property. They should only take the liable person's goods for the debt but if a bailiff got inside it could be hard to prove who owns what- it is better to simply never let them in. If they have been inside before or if anything has been signed with a bailiff then you need free, independent advice immediately.


With your car - if you can prove it is yours with a receipt then they shouldn't touch it, but if you can't then I would suggest that you hide it too - just to be on the safe side. I hope you get it sorted,


Laura
@natdebtline

poppasmurf_bewdley

Is there any particular reason why your partner is not working? Is he on benefits? If he is, how much is he giving to you towards bills and expenditure? If he's not, why not?

foolofbeans

YasmineA90 wrote: »

I'm on maternity but was told I'm not eligible to claim any other benefit (other than basic rate child benefit) due to being employed by the nhs I'm getting a relatively decent maternity pay compared to just smp alone.

Tax credit calculations allow you to deduct £100 from your income for every week that you receive SMP. This could then entitle you to claim tax credits.
One problem is that tax credits are based on previous year income but you can ask for your income to be assessed on current year income as there would be no point struggling and then getting extra money next year! Make sure you update any changes in income though so you don't end up with an overpayment.
Some tax credit advisors are great and know what to do but you may get one that you need to explain the above rules to.