Can you find out??

[miaboo]

Is there anyway of finding out what tax credits I would be entitled to from next April, I am thinking of not returning to work after maternity leave but need to know if its affordable, I am due back in March but have to give 6 weeks notice meaning I would have to let them know In january, so need to do some number crunching early on as dont want to be in sh*t street! I have done the calculator on money for mums but how accurate is this for next year?

Have you tried the online benefits checker on www.turn2us.org.uk ? Next year (from April 2013) will see a gradual change from tax credits to the universal credit but, things being what they are, the amounts are likely to be similar to start with.

I havent no but I will have a look now, Even though I have earnt this tax year if I know I wont be earning anything next tax year I can tell tax credits in April cant I and they will base figures on 0 income wont they?

That's right. For 2013/14 they will use your 2012/13 household income (you and your partner) unless your circumstances have changed significantly in which case they use your current income.

Right ok, Thank you
Seems on a rough estimate I would roughly get about the same as I earn per week so it seems it may mean tightening our belts and trying to cut back to save on about a loss of £40 per week (no idea how yet!) to make it work.
But if I returned to work childcare alone would be £100 per day and I have nobody to watch my children if they were ill so would lose wages and still have to pay childcare and with 3 dc the potential of having to be off has now increased! My children are all under 6 and I've always worked and will again once there all at school so would love the chance to spend the next couple of years with them!

Childcare is taken into account when tax credits are awarded. Are you sure you mean £100/day?

yeah £40 each per day for 2 of my children and £20 for before and afterschool a day for the eldest!!, and I work 2 days a week

But you will get help with childcare costs.