Child Tax Credit

[DuelingFanjo]

I have just had a baby. I return to work in September 2011. At what point should we apply for child tax credit?

now. they only back date so many days..... (a month or two I think)

now.

fab, thank you. I'll get hold of the forms.

Apply for Child Tax Credit straightaway. If you have a partner who is working 16hrs + apply for working tax credit as well. Good luck!

Ps have you applied for Child Benefit? and if you get Housing and Council Tax Benefit phone your council tomorrow because you could get an increase. If you've never applied for it may be worth a shot with an extra DC.

Thnk you, I only have the one child and am on maternity leave. No housing or council tax benefit though.

Hi Fanjo - may be worth applying for Housing and Council Tax. Child benefit is disregarded nowadays along with Child Maintenance. No harm in trying (unless you have in excess of 16k in savings!)

But if I am working and on maternity leave would I be eligible for council tax benefit? I am married and live with my husband if that makes a difference? Our joint income is 40k+ (when I am working).

Council Tax Benefit is means tested so if you have a working DH his earnings/savings are included. Depends on his earnings- if he is on 10k and you on 30k (normally) then yes you may qualify. But if he is over 20k then no. Sorry! Can still get child tax credit though. Check with your Council for completely accurate advice- if you give them all the figures they will tell you if it is worth bothering.