Tax credits for adult dependant?

kirstyprune

Hi, I'm disabled and unable to work, however my partner's wage is high enough that I'm ineligible for any means tested benefits (I receive PIP and contribution based ESA). 

As far as I can tell, despite his wage being expected to keep us both, he doesn't get any tax credits for supporting me. Are we missing something? 

Thanks for any help! 

Spoonie_Turtle

What do you mean by tax credits?  There was an income-related benefit called Tax Credits but no new claims for that have been possible for a while, if you'd even been eligible as a couple with your partner's wage.

Beyond that, NI credits are yours through ESA and he'll be paying NI contributions through work.

His wage is expected to keep you both if it's deemed you jointly have a high enough income.  Your ESA is taken into account as income as well, because it's an income-replacement benefit.  (PIP is not.)

sammyjammy

You aren't a dependant though as you get ESA and PIP presumably you contribute in some way to the household.

Rubyroobs

Did any calculation for Universal credit take into account that if you are in the support group of ESA, then you would get the LCWRA element added and if your partner provides you with 35 hours of care a week you would also get a carers element added as part of a Uc claim. Having  the LCWRA element on a UC claim would also mean you get a work allowance meaning the first £573 ( if you have no rent costs) of your partners earnings is disregarded before earnings reduce your total UC award. I am frequently surprised by how a couple can still receive Uc in these circumstances despite the working partner earnings a seemingly decent amount. I only ask because I find often the benefit calculators don't take the LCWRA into account or confuse people. maybe ask for a benefit check from CAB or similar?

calcotti

Rubyroobs said:

.. I find often the benefit calculators don't take the LCWRA into account or confuse people. maybe ask for a benefit check from CAB or similar?

I think it is undoubtedly true that if you know nothing about benefits the calculators are unreliable - getting the right answer depends on knowing what should be included in the answer.

Spoonie_Turtle

sammyjammy said:

You aren't a dependant though 

Looking at the wording again I think the OP was probably thinking along the lines of the US tax system, where adult partners can be classed as dependents.