Tax credit award - Single person letter/query/help

GW19

Hi,

Looking for some help/guidance with a letter my other half received last week regarding this topic that has got her a little concerned.

In essence her situation has not changed at all and we do not live together whatsoever. She separated from her husband 2.5 years ago (we only met last year) and he moved out to live (rent) elsewhere whilst she stays in the ex-marital home with their children - and both patties are hoping to divorce next year so they can all move on. Please see a copy of the letter, below;

It seems to us that the criteria listed on the first page is somewhat "woolly", or ambiguous, and that has caused her some concern, even though nothing has materially changed since she started these credits. My thinking is that this is one of those HMRC "check" or "honesty" letters to see if anyone's situation has really changed and there needs to be an admission of that/change to the credit/s. The fact the letter stated that IF there is no change there is no need to respond it does "appear" to make it more of the lesser "check" type letter without a call to action required as there are no changes at all.

Can I ask if anyone else has had such a letter and what the views might be on this please? I have also passed a copy to my own accountant to see if he can shed anymore on this too.

Thank you very much.

calcotti

If she was married when she claimed Tax Credits she was not entitled to claim as a single person unless separated under a court order, or separated in circumstances in which the separation was likely to be permanent. So I think the first thing to consider is what information was provided when she claimed.
https://revenuebenefits.org.uk/tax-credits/guidance/how-do-tax-credits-work/understanding-living-together/

GW19

"separated in circumstances in which the separation was likely to be permanent"

Yes, this was very much the case. Thank you for your reply and the link too.