child tax credits, can anyone help?

[whoyouknow]

Dh and I both worked for most of last year but we are both now out of work. I have applied for child tax credits and sent off details of last year's earnings. As of this year though, we have no income. Can anyone tell me how child tax credits work? Will we be entitled to anything now or is it paid retrospectively? Would be grateful for any help, thanks

They will initially base your award on last years income, so depending on last years joint income they will probably say you are not entitled to anything. You then need to ring them and say that your income has dropped to nothing and they should then adjust your award based on your predicted earnings for the tax year 2014-15. Obviously if either or both of you start earning, let them know straight away otherwise you may end up with an overpayment.

Thank for clearing that up Babyroobs