Over payed tax credits

[JAMW]

Me and DP were students until July, he had a saturday job earning about £30 a week.
He then graduated, I had DS in august. So now he has a full time job, earning around £17,000 and I don't work. (Going back to finish my degree next year!)

We filled out the forms and they kept getting sent back and sent back, and today they have credited us over £2000! Does this seem reasonable as three months back dated working tax credits and child tax credits for a family of three living on £17,000? Or is that based on his saturday job? We declared everything, but I don't want to spend anything we need to pay back!

Thanks for your advice!

Its based on last years earnings to april 2011. Next year when you reapply it will take into account the new earnings since then.

so do you think next year they'll ask for it back? Sorry I haven't got a clue about anything!

Work out what DP's total income will be between April 2011 and April 2012. I make it April - July was 4 months @ £120/month = £480 and August to next April will be £12,750. All together £13,230. (Please check I've got that right)

Then I'd suggest that you put your earnings and other details into this Online Benefits Calculator. It should allow you to see what your total tax credit award is estimated at, and whether the £2000 credit for backpayments is realistic or not. If the numbers match with what you've been awarded then you can be more confident that they are not going to ask for it back again.

Good luck

thanks cogito!