New tax credits claim - how long to receive payment?

[Chubfuddler]

Can anyone help please, submitted a new tax credits claim (not in receipt before as didn't qualify) 2 weeks ago due to breakdown of marriage. My childminder just sent a text to say they had rung her today to verify my claim for childcare costs. Anyone any idea how long money will take to come through? Can't ring them as they won't talk to me until its been at least 3 weeks.

It usually takes about 4 weeks - so you should get your money soon! Sometimes it can be a bit longer if they need to check details of your claim in detail, but you would probably have heard from them by now with a letter asking you for certain documents. They will backdate it to the date you first made the claim too.

Thank you