If you're married or living with a partner then you have to make a joint tax credits claim.
What qualifies as a couple for a tax credit claim?
You and your partner need to make a joint claim if you're:
- married
- in a civil partnership
- living together like you're married or in a civil partnership
For couples who have separated, you need to make a single claim if you've:
- split up from your partner and you're separated under a court order
- decided to split up and this is likely to be permanent
If you're already claiming tax credits when you separate from your partner please let us know straightaway so we can stop your joint claim and, if you still qualify, help you make a single claim over the phone.
For couples who are temporarily apart, you should still make a joint claim if:
- Your partner is away from home for a while, for example they may be working away in hospital
- You and your partner have separated for a short time but you're going to get back together
If your partner lives outside the UK
If your partner lives outside the UK you should normally make a single claim. But you should make a joint claim if your partner is only abroad for less than eight weeks, for example if they're just:
- on holiday
- away on a short business trip
If your partner is a Crown Servant living outside the UK
If your partner is a Crown Servant living abroad - for example they're in the Armed Forces you should make a joint claim. |
