working tax credits help

[mummyOFone]

Hi does any1 know how they work??...do both partners in a couple have to be in work to be given an award??...if so, is there a minimum amount of hours??

Please help

Thanx

no, both partners don't have to be in work to qualify. min. amount of hours is 16. they top out at about £14,000/pa joint income, however.

thanks expat, so if i resign to look after my little un, will it be better for my hbby 2 increase his hours, or stay at 20 hrs per week??

I think we get an extra top-up because dh works for more than 30hrs per week but obviously that might not be the best option for your family.

As long as you have kids you only have to work 16 hours to be eligable, you also get an extra part if you jointly work over 30 hours although this doesn't usually give you higher payemnts as if you work more hours your income wil be higher meaning you can earn more without them dropping so much if you understand. Max income for WTC with no disabilities for a couple is £15000. Full entitlment would be income under £5000 which would be £60 per week this reduces the nearer to £15000 you get. It usually works out better earning the money than getting it through WTC as they don't reduce at the same rate as your income.
The only difference if you were working would be you would get help with child care costs up to 80% next year.

If you visit entitledto.com (or something like that) you can see how much you are entitled to. There might be something else as well as WTC you can claim.