Claim child tax credits/working tax credits while on smp?

[glitternanny]

Hi

We don't qualify for the above while I'm working but just wondered while I'm on SMP I'm guessing I'd qualify, or we'd qualify.

I'm also wondering if anyone knows if applying for these as a joint claim would link mine and OHs finances?

TIA

[CBear6]

If you're living together you have to apply as a couple so they need details of both your incomes.

For yourself you would put down how many hours a week you usually work when not on maternity leave and your 10/11 income, ditto for your DP. Once your claim has processed then you can add your 11/12 income but it would be recorded as an estimated income until you get your P60 next April. If/when you do give your 11/12 income you can deduct £100 for each week of paid maternity leave you had (regardless of how much you were paid), so if you take 39 weeks you can deduct £3900 from your annual income.

Even if you don't qualify now you should do once the baby is born so long as your income is under approx £40-45000.

[glitternanny]

Thanks CBear!