Tax credits

[Bonkerz]

So me and husband split last week. Decided tonight its definitely over.
He's going to continue financially with house till I get sorted.

I need to ring tax credits. I work 30 hours a week and am registered carer for my son. Total income about £11k.
If I contact TC will they stop my money for a new claim? I'm just wondering if I should leave it till jan??

Yes they will as it is a change of circumstances. I think it will be seen as a new claim and if you are in certain areas that will mean universal credit. One thing to remember is that it is an offence to not inform them of changes. So social media blackout until you make it official.

Why is it never easy.
Now I'm stuck really. I don't think we are in a universal credit area but seriously this close to Christmas will affect everything

Hi, I was in a similar situation and they do deal with things really quickly. Don’t forget your ex will be required to pay maintenance for your dc too.
If you rent your house, you’ll be entitled to housing benefit and Concil tax benifit albeit in the form of universal credit. It’s better to be upfront with tax credits otherwise it can get complicated. Also if you claim for other financial support, they can find out anyway possibly. It’s all done with your NI number, benefits, tax credits etc.

It's not sorted out quickly at all. It's been widely reported that any new claim takes 5 weeks to action and anyone applying after the 20th November will not receive money until well after Christmas.
It's worth taking that into account.

Do you get benefits of currently? When I started work and moved onto working tax credits from income support it was done within 48 hours. But that was because I already had an existing claim for child tax credits.

If I get tax/working credits am I allowed to have company pension credits, lump sum as well?

I've done it. Rang them and can't go to universal credits thankfully. They said it will be UP TO 22 days but because I've gone from couple to single it may be quicker as I'm already in system.
I work and get carers and eldest is disabled so apparently it may be quicker. Now to prep for a tight Christmas I guess.

(D)h has said he will pay mortgage as usual and the bills till January so it gives me a chance to get sorted.

I don't understand how you are registered as a carer ? Surely a 30 hour wage takes you over the limit for carers allowance. Most areas of the country are now full service Universal credit. It takes one month and seven days to get the first payment but you can ask for an advance ( like a loan ) to tide you over until first payment. Tax credits would stop immediately.

I'm a childminder. Self employed. Have one child for 30 hours a week and charge £3.25 per hour. My self employed income is £5200 ish. Most I've ever earnt was £6500!

Universal credit isn't in my area yet.

Hi Bonkerz, I recently had to change my tax credits for the same reason. They said the same, 22 working days. However, I only actually went 1.5 without a payment so happened a little quicker, and they back pay you what you miss so hopefully you’ll get it in time for christmas.

Good luck! I hope it’s as quick for you

Babyroobs - I thought Carers Allowance wasn't means tested. Have I got that wrong?

Just because you work the hours Babyroobs doesn't mean you necessarily get the income. I work 28 hours a week and my wage is that of around £10k per annum.

Whywontthey, you can earn up to a certain amount and claim carers allowence. If you earn over the thresh hold, you can't have it.

Thank you 👍

whitebury - I thought tax credits were clamping down on people who don't earn at least minimum wage per hour that they claim to work ? Forgive me for assuming that working 30 hours would bring in more than £120 a week ( the limit to claim carers allowance). I guess with childminding you can discount a lot of the costs associated with being self employed s o I guess that makes a difference too.

the clamp down will be UC although that has slightly changed

an ex friend is SE on TC and she willingly admits its easy to fiddle hence ex friend

if the op has a disabled son she will be well of as her situation has lots of disregards

she will be much better of especially if ex DP is paying mortgage etc

i dont think she will be in the poor house,her situation will give the max benefits which should be quiet generous

There are different rules for childminders thankfully with regards income. I can't really earn minimum wage without charging a silly amount per hour even if I had 3 children!

So now been without any tax credits for 3 weeks. My wage for Dec was just under £500 which is almost gone and tax credits saying I may not get anything till end of Jan!

@Bonkerz can you get an advance or crises loan?

I don't know! How would I find this out???

Phone tax credits back to ask or see if someone at CAB can help you

Thanks everyone. Tax credits being paid Thursday thankfully.