I have a step daughter and when i fill in the ctc forms do i mention tha we pay for her?? My husband has paid 30 pw since she was born and we see her and dont grudge paying for her, but it seems they dont know we have 120 to 150 pounds (depending on 4 or 5 week month) less every month.(Its not done throught the csa, just a standing order). Her mum and boyfriend both own their own companies and money isnt a issue for them but a little more in our pocket wouldnt hurt!! Or am i being stupid??

I'm not sure to be honest - they dont seem to take into account any expenditures! Ur best bet is to just give them a call & check. Sorry I cant be anymore help!x

The stupid thing is that Tax Credits don't take into consideration the money you give out as maintenance even though you have £120 a month or so less in your pocket. At the same time, they also don't take into account that the person receiving the maintenance has additional income. Child Support Payments are basically not counted for Tax Credit purposes which means that the person at the receiving end is onto a kind of winner. Doesn't seem fair but that's the way it is.

CTC really gets me anoyed. They dont take outgoings into account, but its worth looking into your council tax and housing benifit as i know my council has just started to. CTC get me so cross as they give it to you in one hand but then the following year if you have earned more the previous year they take it off you so beware of overtime etc. even if your earnings are lower so you still live hand to mouth and fighting to keep the roof over your head.

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