Urgent - question re tax credits

[Llareggub]

Sorry for the urgency, but I having a panic.

I start a new, full time job tomorrow after a marriage split and a period of self-employment. I spoke to the TC helpline and specifically asked the chap what I'd get after April, and he gave me a figure based on my new income, childcare costs etc.

I've just been reading threads about the tax credit changes and it appears to contradict what the chap told me. If I have been given the wrong information I am completely stuffed because I'll either be able pay for childcare or food but not both.

Would he have applied the new rules or just ignored them, do you think? We had quite a long chat, he told me what I'd get for March and then I asked him about April specifically.

Flipping heck. I really want to trust what he said.....but have read so much about them getting it wrong.

With pension taken into account, I fall under the new threshold, btw.

I'd ring and ask again.. You have to be so careful.. I've just had a bill for £1400 for overpayment which they told me I'd already paid back (and overpaid back so they gave me some back)

Oh, this is a nightmare. I can't speak to anyone until tomorrow. Bollocks. Thank you for responding, it does help.

The new threshold is £26,000 rising to £32,200 if you have two children. HMRC adds You could still qualify from 6 April 2012 if your income is above these amounts. For example, if you pay for registered or approved childcare, are disabled, or have more than one or two children. What is it in the threads that contradicts what you've been told?

I think I am wobbling about having to go back full time and how I will manage as a single parent. I do pay for approved childcare and I do have 2 children. So I will get something, won't I? it was all so doable when I spoke to the adviser and now the element of doubt has crept in.

If your gross income is either below £32,200 or if your childcare costs take your gross income below that amount, then you should qualify for something. If you're in doubt, call the Tax Credit line again. In the meantime, if you keep an eye on the Turn2Us Benefit Calculator and the HMRC Tax Credit Calculator they should both be updated for the new tax year shortly.