A parent’s rights to Tax Credit

Q. I am claiming Child Tax Credit for my 8 year old. I have spoken to my ex-husband and he is also wanting to claim Child Tax Credit. Is this possible?

A. A child can only be named on one tax credit claim at any particular time. Child Tax Credit should be paid to the person who the child normally lives with – which can be unclear in cases with shared care. If two people cannot decide between themselves who should apply then HMRC will make a decision on who has the more valid claim and will pay that person. Where there is more than one child and the parents share care, the parents could consider claiming Child Tax Credit for one (or more) child each as a way of splitting the payments.

Q. My 19 year old daughter has recently left education and my Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit have ended. Is there anything else I can claim for her?

A. Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit can be paid until 31st August after their 16th birthday or until they turn 20 if they are in full time, non-advanced, education or approved training. If your daughter is no longer studying or in approved training then she will no longer be a “qualifying young person” and would need to consider claiming benefits in her own right such as Universal Credit if she is looking for work.

Q. I work 15 hours per week for £7.20 per hour, my boyfriend finished his degree in 2016 and has been looking for work since. Is there anything we can claim to increase our income?

A. If your boyfriend is no longer studying or receiving student income then he should be able to claim Jobseekers Allowance of £16.85 per week. The Government believes that a couple who live together need £114.85 per week to live on. You may also be entitled to Housing Benefit if you are renting and Council Tax Reduction.