Working Family Tax Credit - claiming for someone else's son

[GillH1966]

Hi, I new to all this, and was hoping that someone could give me some advice. My 17 year old son recently left home and is staying with a friend, his friends Mum wants to claim working family tax credit/child tax credits for him (from what I have seen she can't as she is not legally responsible for him) but I would appreciate any advice on the legalities of this. Thanks Gill

You might be better to repost in the Legal forum. But I think you're right.

However if he's still in education, she might be able to get child benefit.

Gill, my DS did this when he was 16. Very very upsetting for me. He didn't speak to me for 6 months. Hope you are OK.

Should add that this was 10 years ago. DS has since grown in to a lovely man and we see each other often. In fact he's coming over for tea this evening.

If he's in school she can claim child benefit, which opens the door to tax credits (and CSA!).

Thank you all for your support and advice it is much appreciated.

collaborate is righht, if she puts in a claim for child benefit all the additional benefits will follow

You are right.

Your friend can't claim child benefit for your child unless she becomes legally responsible for him.

No child benefit - no tax credits.