Any working tax credit experts around? Will I be eligible for anything if I return to work p/t?

[MegBusset]

I am considering going back to work for two days a week, my working hours would probably be 10-6 with an hour for lunch. The salary would be around 22k pro rata. At the moment I get Child Tax Credit, I'm trying to work out if I would be eligible for any Working Tax Credit and/or help towards childcare costs (DS would go to a CM on those days). DH is self-employed and earns around 45k a year.

Can anyone help? If I will lose my tax credit completely then it will make it less worth my while going back to work...

[AllieBongo]

I work pt. I still get them minimum, and no help for childcare. It sucks

[thefabfour]

MegBusset-

I used to work as a paid welfare rights adviser at a CAB. (Until v recently)

Based on the info you've told us, I think its v. unlikely that you would get any help with your childcare. You have to be earning v. little to get WTC/ help with your childcare altho you would retain an entitlement to CTC (altho prob just the minimum)

However, its very difficult to give someone money accurate advice online/ by phone so I would suggest that you visit your local CAB for a full check on your possible entitlements.

HTH

[thefabfour]

Oh, and your fiancial situation is v similar to mine before I gave up work (I also worked 2 days for 21K pro rata and DH on similar income) Even with 4 kids we weren't entitled to anything except a bit if CTC.

[nailpolish]

i think it all comes down to your combined salary with dh

i think if its under a certain amount it wont affect your tax credit

i remember this from when i went back to work and i phoned the tax credit people

cant remember the amount tho, was something like 55k (but im guessing)

youll have to call them anyway when you s tart

[blazingsaddles]

You wont be eligible for working tax credits unless your contract states you work 16 hours a week or more. Less than 16 hours a week and you can apply for child tax credits instead if your yearly earnings are below approx 15500 (thats the limit from last year).

[MegBusset]

Thanks, well I have spoken to HMRC and they have confirmed that I wouldn't get any WTC or help with childcare costs. But it's useful to know that I would probably still get some CTC (every little helps!).

[Eaglebird]

I will be going back to work part time (3 days a week) in the autumn. DP will continue to work full time. DS will be looked after by a child minder for the 3 days I am at work. Our new annual income will be about £44k before tax etc is deducted.
DP's mate told him that we will be able to claim 80% of our childcare costs as the childcare element of the working tax credit. I'm sure we won't be ntitled to anything as our combined wage will be too much.

Please could someone confirm? I know I should ring the tax credit helpline, but the thought of being in a queue for 10 minutes and then having to give my details & DP's details, and then answer 50 questions isn't too appealing.
DS is currently having a nap and I know he'll wake up & start screaming as soon as my call is answered
Thanx

[evenhope]

eaglebird, not on that income I'm afraid.

We're on a similar amount and once DS2 leaves (he gets DLA) and we are down to 2 NT kids we go back to the basic £10 a week

[sweetkitty]

I think very few people get 80% of their childcare costs paid no matter how much the government want us to believe it. I think you have to be earning minimum wage and nothing else to qualify

[Eaglebird]

Ta for your replies ladies.

[fizzbuzz]

Eaglebird, we are on just over that, and we get no ctc credits, and just the minimum tax credit, with 2 dcs eligible for yt

[ChasingSquirrels]

you can put all the figures into the gov website and get a calculation.

[ash6605]

Sweetkitty,you are right, we are on just under £15k combined income and still only get 70% childcare paid back.