tax credits when you split from oh

tracytaxi

I get tax credits both working and child tax credits, but due to our debt problems etc things are not good at home , currently I am the one working. I know if we split up I would have to reclaim tax credits but would I have to go weeks with no money?? Like you did 2 years ago or is it quicker now as I am getting worried it will come to it. thanks:o

tracytaxi

has any one got any first hand knowledge on my question please.

lisa_martin_2

No, I'ts changed as soon as u ring them but it might take 7 days for the changes to take effect.

I would personally call them with the changes the day after your payment then they will have 4 weeks to sort it out and by then all the new changes and payment will be in place.

Reagrds, Lisa.

demonicangel

If you split from your partner, you have to end the current claim and then make a new one.

How long it takes depends on what your area is like, some take forever. others are on the ball and will get it sorted within a few weeks.

My joint to single claim took about 6 weeks to be sorted out (and unfortunatley that meant no money but it was all backdated) and then when that ended when dp moved in, it took about 5 weeks again.

So to answer your question, yes you will have a couple of weeks without money but it will all be backdated.

lisa_martin_2

It must depend on your area then as I said mine was sorted pretty much staright away from splitting up with my then partner to living with my husband.

I must be one of the few lucky ones as i have had no problems at all with tax credits :-|

tracytaxi

Hi thanks fro reply, all a bit worrying, I get my tax credits weekly too. I thought I had heard it happens when you ring them like Lisa said above, if I ahd to wait longer than a fortnight I would be in major problems backdated or not. |Also how would they work out your income, would if I claimed in feb this year use my income for the tax year April 06- April 07?
And then start again in April? Sorry for so many questions but we nearly split last year but stayed together cos of money and debts, not a good way to live your life.

tracytaxi

any one there??

Kimitatsu

Hi Tracey

Tax credits are worked out on past income and current circumstance, so they would take last years income (if you split before April 2006-2007) with this years circumstances (ie you and your children).

Tax credits like many benefits have a delay on them at the moment, but as a lone parent you are entitled to seek an interview with a lone parent at Jobcentre plus who can fast track your application for you.

Good luck with whatever you decide

[Deleted User]

You are quicker calling up the TCO helpline to end claim and get passed to the new aplications team - it tends to be quicker than fast tracking.

lindsaygalaxy

Last time my OH and me broke up. I had to wait 2 months but they did back-pay it. Looks like im gonna be broke for another 2 months now! I just dontpay nursery they will understand til the money comes through

[Deleted User]

Linda, did you have to complete a new claim pack or did you do it over the phone?
The "over the phone" claim for those splitting from a partner was a new procedure that was introduced just a couple of months ago to speed up the process and to stop people suffering hardship for so long.

Not all new claims are guaranteed to go superfast even if you call up to do it - but it is quicker than waiting for Royal Mail to deliver the claim pack to the applicant and then to TCO.