Self Assessment - If Ex-wife claims child benefit and is no longer your partner

PolkaTolka247

Hi - Just a quickie.
My ex-wife and I divorced over a year ago.  We have 2 children (12-15) and share their care and upbringing costs 50:50.  My ex still claims child benefit for both children although I do not. She earns <50k and I earn £50-60k. She seems to think that I don't need to declare that she claims the CB as we are no longer married or partners, but I can't see an option on the self assessment form that covers this (only opt 3 is close but still not right - 'Did you claim CB? -Opt3 'No, but someone claimed it for a child that lived with me at the time and they contributed at least as much as me towards the child’s upkeep). There's a significant difference in costs so does anyone know if I am still supposed to declare the fact that she claims and so pay the money back?  Thanks for your help

sammyjammy

She is correct.  You do not need to declare her finances and benefits, you say 50% care, is your ex registered as the resident parent?

NedS

Agree. Unfortunately sharing care and costs 50:50 doesn't fit into the benefits system model, which cannot split a child in half. The system requires one parent to be nominated as the main carer and they are (usually) the one who will claim the Child Benefit and any other child-related benefits (CTC, UC etc). As you are legally separated, any benefits she claims as the 'main carer' for the children is of no concern to you - the only concern you have is that you cannot also claim child benefit or claim for the children on any Universal Credit claim should you lose your job and need to make a claim.

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Presumably the tax return is for 2021:22 so HICBC could be relevant if it was a quick divorce?

My ex-wife and I divorced over a year ago

PolkaTolka247

sammyjammy said:

She is correct.  You do not need to declare her finances and benefits, you say 50% care, is your ex registered as the resident parent?

Yes. It's a 50:50 split but she is registered as the 'resident parent'