Shared residency - benefits HELP?!

[Onemoresliceofcakewonthurt]

My son lives with me, but stays with his Dad 2 to 3 nights a week depending on EH work schedule. I am currently not working due to ill health and am in receipt of benefits for myself and also my son - child tax credits, child benefit etc. Can my benefits be affected by how many nights my son stays out? I was under the impression that as long as I am the only person claiming for him, how often he 'stays out' isn't an issue, however I just wanted to check this is the case as EH is asking if he can stay more in the school holidays.

As long as you're the primary carer your benefits won't be affected.

What is affected is child maintenance, and that will vary depending on how many nights a week your DS stays with his Dad.

I thought so - EX is very good and has said he won't amend the payment with CMS for the sake of a day or two in school holidays. Do you know if it states this anywhere online? EH is a worrier and is concerned it will be an issue so would like to be able to back this up. Thank you for your comment x

Hmm I don't know, but when I've done online calculations it's not asked for number of nights. That information is only requested for CM.

Hopefully someone will have a link

Thing is.. This isn't really any of his business. Your benefits are your concern, and as long as he's doing his bit where child maintenance is concerned, then the rest isn't anything he needs to worry about.