In this section:
- What are tax credits?
- Tax credits - do you qualify?
- What counts as a couple for tax credits?
- Children, childcare and tax credits
- Work and tax credits
- Disabled people and tax credits
- Can you claim tax credits if you live outside the UK?
- Going abroad temporarily and claiming tax credits
- New arrivals to the UK and tax credits
- Tax credits information for the over 50s
What counts as a couple for tax credits?
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 or in hospital
- you and your partner have separated for a short time but you're going to get back together
If you're not sure if you should make a single or joint claim you can call the Tax Credit Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900.
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 goes abroad for 8 weeks or more you should let us know by calling the Tax Credit Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900.
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.
Letting us know about changes at home
It's important that you let us know as soon as possible if you:
- split up with a partner
- get together with a new partner
This will help us make sure you're getting the payments you're entitled to.
Contact us
You can contact our Tax Credit Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909 (open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm seven days a week except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day). If you're abroad you can also contact us on Tel 02890 538 192.
