This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.
This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.
Hi Everyone
Iv'e just joined the site today so please excuse me if I have posted this in the wrong forum.
I have been seperated from my wife for just over a year. She moved out and left me with my 3 daughters whilst she found her own place ( it took 4 months )
Since then we have equal parenting responsibilities and look after the children 7 days out of 14.
I have recently found out that she has been claiming working family tax credit for all of the children for all of the time. She has told me that i wont be able to claim WFTC as she has claimed! She has flatly refused to help me out financially and has even threatend that she may yet go to the CSA!
I reveive Child benefit for 2 of my children and I thought that you needed to be in receipt of CB before you received WFTC!
I work very hard but only earn around 18000 a year and I would like to put a claim in for WFTC myself. I'm just a little confused as I have researched this a little on the internet and it seems that WFTC do not recognise ' shared parenting' and they will only make payments to one of the perants.
If anyone has been in a similar situation, then I would love to hear from them.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Thanks Hazeleyes
Just emailed them so lets see what they say. :)
Thanks for the reply though
No problems 
Keep posting as others will be along at some point. Anna, one of the moderators is sure to come up with some links or info for you. She should be here tomorrow.
Hi,
You could always ring the tax credit help line and explain the situation to them.
Hazeleye is right: everyone here is fantastically supportive!
Hi Hopeful
I have tried to ring the Tax Credit people but I can never get through! I leave for work at 7 and get home at 7 or 8pm sometimes. I know its a cliche but there really isn't enough time in the day to fit everything i need to do as it is. I can't even afford to take a day holiday as I'm self employed and do not get annual leave.
I think that the Tax Credit people are also very busy with renewals at this time of year too. There appears to be no option for new claims on there automated system because the times I have tried to ring them I end up getting to a message that says ' please ring back later'
Thanks for the reply :)
Good morning tenzindali. I'm guessing you've done a quick check on line to see if you qualify? Have a look here Can you not use your lunch break to give them a call? I realise this isn't always easy though. Hopefully 1-2-1 money advisors will get back to you pretty soon.
Hope you have a good day. Nice to have you here at One Space. How old are the children by the way?
Hi tenzindali
Welcome to One Space, you should get a response shortly from our 1-2-1 money advice service.
From my limited knowledge on these issues, I know that the person who claims the Child Benefit is seen as the principal carer/parent with greater responsibility/has the address with which schools are registered to. If this person claims Tax Credits then the other parent is unable to make a claim. The ideal situation would be for you to share the money, as this would mean it would be best for the children.
However that means that both parties have to be on reasonable terms. As I say, I am not the money advisor, and hopefully you will get a more complete and comprehensive answer to your question soon.
How are your daughters? How are you enjoying single parenthood/shared care? On the whole I am interested if it is working for you - aside from the finances?
Thanks for the replies :)
My daughters are 15/13 and 10. They are all coping really well despite everything that has happened over the last 12 months. I'm coping ok too, in fact, emotionally everything is fine.
There is no way that my ex will consider giving me any of the money. I tried for the last 3 months to sit down and talk about all the practical stuff, but she just wants to hurt me any way she can, which does surprise me a little as we were together for over 20 years, there was no one else involved in our separation, we just grew apart!
Hi tenzindali. Did you hear anything yet from 1-2-1?
no not yet :(
Sometimes it does take a few days. Perhaps you should send them another one. Also don't forget to check your spam box!!!
Thanks again Hazeleyes for the reply :)
Iv'e taken the day off today to try and get stuff sorted. Iv'e been to the CAB who have advised me to put a counter claim to the WFTC and let then decide!
I have now managed to get through to the WFTC people and have a cliam pack on the way!
I didn't really want to go down that route, but with a ex partner who flatly refuses to even discuss this, I was left with no option! I'll keep you posted as and when anything happens.
Hi tenzindali, I have given the 1-2-1 people a nudge, I hope that they will get back to you shortly. Apologies for the delay.
It sounds like today was kind of productive for you. I hope that you have a nice evening planned after all this?
Yes, do keep us posted as to what happens. You have to do what is best for you, don't even think about the ex or anything!!
Well Iv'e heard from the 1-2-1 guys, got some great advise, and will be acting on it his weekend ... thanks for taking an intererst guys, means alot :P
You are very welcome tenzindali! 
Hi tenzindali. Welcome along. I'm sorry, but I have absolutely no idea, but you could e.mail One Space's 1-2-1 money advisors, and I'm sure they can help you. It's completely confidential too. here