In this section:
- How to claim tax credits
- When to make a joint or single tax credits claim
- If you want someone to act on your behalf for tax credits
- Tax credits - rights and responsibilities
When to make a joint or single tax credits claim
If you're married or living with a partner then you have to make a joint tax credits claim. You may also have to make a joint claim if your partner is living in a European country, such as France or Poland.
What qualifies as a couple for a tax credits 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 the Tax Credit Office know straightaway so they 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 is outside the UK
If your partner lives outside the UK you should normally make a single claim. But you will need to make a joint claim if either of the following applies:
- Your partner is only abroad for less than eight weeks, for example if they're just on holiday or away on a short business trip. If they go abroad for eight weeks or more you should let the Tax Credit Office know by calling the Tax Credit Helpline. They will help you make a single claim over the phone.
- Your partner lives or works in a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
Countries in the EEA
The EEA countries are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom (UK).
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.
Reporting changes at home
It's important that you tell the Tax Credit Office as soon as possible if you:
- split up with a partner
- get together with a new partner
This will help make sure you're getting the payments you're entitled to.
Contact the Tax Credit Office
If you need more help you can call the Tax Credit Helpline which is open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The numbers you can ring are:
- tel 0845 300 3900
- textphone 0845 300 3909 - if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment
If you're calling from overseas you can also contact the Tax Credit Office on Tel + 44 289 053 8192.
More useful links
How to claim tax credits
Your family isn't in the UK - help
with your tax credits claim
When
can you expect your first tax credits payment
Tax
credits: how and when to report changes
