help with tax credits, partner works different hours throughout the year.

[me23]

can anyone help? partner has just moved in so we are filling out our joint tax credit claim, he is a full time student during term time he works 16 hours a week, but for 8-10 weeks a year (during summer) he works full time i.e 37 hours. so what do i put as hours worked per week?

16 I think then notify them when it changes.

You have to tell them every time it changes fore more than 6 weeks, otherwise, you don't.

I would suggest you try to work out the average yearly earnings, as that is all you need to tell them. When April comes, they will find out his actual earnings, and you will either have an underpayment, or an overpayment.

An underpayment - they will give you the difference (lump sum payment in April)
An overpayment - you must pay them back.

For hours worked per week - I would add up the hours over the year, and divide by 52.

thanks for the replies! he has his p60 for this year april 07-08 therfore can they still over pay me if i give the wrong hours?
on average it works out as 21 hours a week. I can't get in trouble if i averagfe it out can I?

No, for variable hours you are meant to average it out.

The P60 for 07-08 means nothing. They are wanting 08-09 info, which, unless you are on a fixed salary, you have to estimate.

I do it every year, and always try and underestimate a little. You get back the extra in April anyway.

thanks for your help, I'll tell them the average an hope they don't overpay me