Can she claim tax credits?

[mich7k]

Hi-ya folks
Perhaps you could help me out? My mum has never claimed tax credits for my sister whos now 16 leaves school this summer, anyway she has been a kept woman and has only claimed child benefit, the relationship has broken down so now has no income and also no where to live, i would like to know if i let them move in with me would it effect my own benefits eg income support and child tax credit? And can my mum make a claim for tax credits for her and my sis?

[old_andrew2007]

Bump

[Darren]

Try the tax credits website

IR Tax Credits Online

They have a 'do I qualify' section where you can enter details and it will tell you if you qualify and how much you will get

[poppynurse]

I think she should phone the benefits agency as she may be entitled to income support. Child tax credits finish when the child is 16 and leaves full time education.
The local council may be able to help with housing and she would be entitled to housing and council tax benefit if she has a low income.
Perhaps she could look at employment when things are settled?
Good luck

[BADGER 69]

Hi
How long was your mum a kept woman as you say. Did she live with her "keeper" in a house/flat owned by him? Were any of the children his? If their home was owned by him she may have the right to live there (under Family Law) and for him to have to move out even if they were not married.

[mich7k]

Hi-ya folks well she claimed income support up to August 06 then didnt bother as she started living with him. When she claimed IS the child element was part of it so she has never made a claim for CTC. Spoke to Tax Credits today they told her that she can make a claim in her own right and it wont effect my benefits, but they will only back date claim up to 93 days, my mum has a child by her ex the 16 year old she is due to leave school this summer. Dont think she wants to go back though

[redsonja]

Mich,

If you are receiving Housing and/or Council Tax benefit and your mum moves in with you, she will be classed as a non dependant and this may mean that some of your rent/council tax entitlement may reduce by a couple of pound a week. You can phone your local council office to ask and they will confirm before you decide what to do.