Child tax credits after separation

[jigfoot1979]

Hi, I have separated from my husband and as a result my children who are 15 stayed in the house with him. I pay child maintenance in the form of buying all of their food and clothes etc and going to the house to cook for them every day. I have looked into child tax credits, my ex doesn't qualify for them as he earns way too much but I do qualify and although at the moment while I'm looking for accommodation the children don't stay with me (as soon as I find somewhere it's intended they come to me to stay a few nights a week) the tax credits would help out a lot towards food and clothes. I'm currently spending the same as I was on them and doing everything I was before ...just not sleeping there and now obviously on a massively reduced income. Am I able to claim? .... I'm sorry if this doesn't make sense, it's a fairly unusual situation that I'm in

I'm sorry, I know it's all very complicated isn't it....but it's helpful to gain people's thoughts and if anyone had ever had a similar situation I thought here would be a good place to find out

I am not sure a claim would be fraudulent at the moment as although children not living with you you are still financially responsible for them and a claim is allowed in these circs it's just if your husband were to also put in a claim they would then look at the circs and he would be entitled instead of you. it doesn't mean your current claim is fraudulent. equally if when things are sorted you end up having the kids around half the time but say less than half (ie 3/7 ) I don't think there would necessarily be an issue with you each claiming CB for one child each as long as you both agree to do this.

before you make any changes I think you need go get advice try a charity like gingerbread on your circs.

Gingerbread.... ok will do thank you

You won't each be able to claim for one child because your dh earns too much so only you would be eligible to claim. The threshold for 2 kids is around £32k( assuming no childcare costs) so if you earn less than that you may get some help. You might also get some help with housing benefit if you are on a low income and depending on your rent.