Bit of advice with benefits (splitting from partner)

MoneyMission2015

Foxxhound wrote: »

Darksparkle - I see thanks. I got a reponse from email saying I appear to be claiming already and to ring up the help office so perhaps I had them once upon a time (not that I remember!). It might be easier explaining the situation over the phone. As said above its pretty much a 50/50 atm but I will be the one paying for the nursery at £80.00 a week (another bill lol).

You probably already claim working tax credits as a couple, so you and your ex partner will need to end the claim and then both claim for any eligible benefits separately. As said in the comments below, only one of you will be able to claim child benefit and child tax credits. If your child will be living with mum when you do move out, then she will be the one eligible to claim. As part of your ex's tax credit claim, she may get some child care help so make sure that is all worked out correctly.

Darksparkle

MoneyMission2015 wrote: »

You probably already claim working tax credits as a couple, so you and your ex partner will need to end the claim and then both claim for any eligible benefits separately. As said in the comments below, only one of you will be able to claim child benefit and child tax credits. If your child will be living with mum when you do move out, then she will be the one eligible to claim. As part of your ex's tax credit claim, she may get some child care help so make sure that is all worked out correctly.

She can't claim childcare help if its the OP that is paying it.

Foxxhound

Thank you for the help everyone. I guess it makes most sense if she claims as she already has child benefit in her name. I will manage somehow...

On an unrelated note. In terms of the bills (most of which are in my name). Lets use electricity and the Bt Internet for example. If I leave, I will have £360 debtit on my electric account. She too has been using this. If she does not pay half, can I pay the bill and will a court case win this for me? Likewise with internet etc? Are we both liable if I take her to court or does she have yet another trump card over me if things go badly? I just want to be prepared for the worst... thanks all.

Smodlet

If a bill is in your name only, you alone are liable. It might be an idea to get them transferred to your wife's name only as a matter of urgency. If she is not willing, I would be tempted to tell her you will just close those accounts down the day you leave and she will have to set up her own, in her name. Your call.