question about dependant relative

[sunnywalk]

My husband has been out of work since 2007. He got jobseekers benefit for a year but when that ran out after 52 weeks, he was not eligble for jobseekers allowance because of my salary.

I am claiming married couple tax credits. however as he is out of work no income and I am supporting him completely, am i also entitled to dependant relative? I did check paye online but its not really clear...

 

[huskerdu]

I think that you are talking about the home carers tax relief.
If he is looking after a dependent person while not working, you are entitled to this tax credit. A dependent person is

• Child for whom Child Benefit is payable
• Person aged 65 or over
• Person with a disability that requires care.

There is no tax credit for having a non-working spouse, unless you are entitled to the home carers credit.

 

[sunnywalk]

thanks for that.. no he is not looking after anyone except for our two doggies!

He did go back to england in oct 2008 to look after his dad and stayed up until January (after his dad died) I was still here in ireland supporting him financially throughout this time.. it was only 3 months so is it worth me trying to apply for that now or have I left it too late...

 

[Marietta]

He did go back to england in oct 2008 to look after his dad and stayed up until January (after his dad died) I was still here in ireland supporting him financially throughout this time.. it was only 3 months so is it worth me trying to apply for that now or have I left it too late...

No you can't apply for carers benefit for someone that was resident outside of the State.

You husband is out of work for well near 3 years, he would want to consider retraining, upskilling etc so he will have more opportunities in the job market (not that there is very much available out there at the moment)

 

[sunnywalk]

he has tried loads of places.. but at the moment it is very hard .. he just needs to keep tipping away!
thanks for the advice ..like everyone I am reviewing all our outgoings at the moment to get maximum value for tax claiming etc etc and i am not the best at claiming for "stuff" just did my health expenses for quinn and they were nearly 3 years old!! thankfully we dont get ill often!!