Child Benefit.

[rd14962]

My 14 year old daughter lives with me for 12 days out of every 14 (she;s at her Mother's every other weekend)
Her mother gets the child benefit and because of this I can't claim anything, I do need some help with the rent etc but can't claim housing benefit because I don't claim the child benefit. i would assume her mother is claiming everything, even though she has a partner living with her. Can I get in touch direct with the benefit agency or do I need to do it through my ex? Thank you in anticipation.
Rupert

[sara3]

this is the site that answers most questions, but not specifically yours. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/TaxCreditsandChildBenefit/Childbenefits/DG_0 73771

you may want to call them.

common sense tells me that you should be getting the benefit, but the child doesn't have to live with you to qualify. if your ex isn't prepared to be reasonable and give up this benefit, perhaps the Child Benefit people have a Decision Maker (most gov't departments do) who will make the final decision.

best of luck x

[TCL-MUMPING]

You will need to claim Child Benefit (CHB) in yir own name and if you go here, http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/how-to-cla im.htm you can download the claim form. It's the HMRC that will process the claim and don't worry if you don't have the Birth Certificate, they'll have seen that when yir ex claimed.

They will be in touch wi yir ex to see if she wants to relinquish the CHB in favour of you. If she won't, the HMRC will decide who has the priority and let you know if you've been successful..