New to this now lone parents after 25 yrs---- any advice re tax credits please ?

[fakeblondie]

Ive never been able to claim before but looking at the tables im not surprisingly confused !

Is there an ideal threashold / salary to make the most efficient tax credits claim.
I am going to be quite worse off financially since dh and I have separated.
I have put in a claim and just hope it comes through soon.
I currently work 19 hrs per week with as much overtime as I want really . However being on my own is going to be hard as I have no family support and have a huge travel commitment daily . Dc go to schoosl out of county-different counties at present ! So time management also is huge at the moment so that I don't meltdown iykwim.
Buses to school aren't an option and I want to continue with my job which is good one but presently just covers my unregistered childcare , maintaining my salary increment until dc youngest goes to school.
I have 4 dc - eldest 2 wont affect any tax credits as 1 is in last year at uni and another off this time-that will cost me but obviously cannot claim it back.
I will have 2 younger dc 11 and 4 .
I will get working tax credits but the more I work the less I will receive.
I keep re doing the calculator and wondered if anyone has actually got any tips on the salary I need to keep under etc to make sure im receiving what I can. If I continue to work as much overtime as I am I am not managing to have any sort of work / family balance. I seem to end up in bed at 2 am and up at 6 and with no money left over anyway by the time ive paid for ( unregisredc childcare ) fuel and everything .
I wonder would I be better off financially and personally as a mum for a year working the minimum hours and claiming the maximum wtc-but what is that figure ?
Any advice really appreciated.
Oh and will they back date tax credits until when dh left at all as im getting a bit worried about money now x

You can't go lower than 16hrs anyway so you may as well sit tight at 19hrs while you find your feet. I've stuck at 18hrs, it means I can keep on top of work but I can just about keep healthy (mentally and physically).

Thanks .
I can work 19 hours during the week and get paid my basic wage but if I work a weekend im on silly money and earn a lot more. My salary could potentially go up by 10,000 pa. Would I be better say earning under 15000 this year ?

Why are you using unregistered childcare? If you used a childminder or breakfast and after school club taxcredits would help towards it and it would be more affordable

The cut off for things like free prescriptions, eye tests etc is £16k so if you are only slightly over this, you are worse off. However, for every £1 you earn, you lose 46p of tax credits so the more you work the more you end up with despite getting less in benefits.

Can you change to registered childcare so you get help paying for it?

Another one encouraging you to go with registered childcare as it will then be valid for Tax Credits. Could your unregistered minder get the necessary accreditation?

I think it's a bad move btw to try to keep your salary under a particular level. If you get the opportunity to advance and increase your income, do take it. Your 4yo will be at school soon and the wrap-round care should be cheaper. Also, what is your exH contributing here? Money? Shared parenting?

Well he will pay me some maintenance hoping to come to an agreement this weekend I think. He will have the 2 small ones either 1 night a week for weekend or 2 nights every other weekend.Havent thought about uni support yet !Will have a look on internet and see whats an ok amount to suggest ?