Tax credits

[Laceysmum22]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice. I have made my first claim for tax credits, after the birth of my first child in April, and have given them my estimated income for 2014/15. I have estimated my maternity pay less £100 per week for 36 weeks and then added on my full pay for the end of the year as I will be back at work by then. They are saying that I'm only entitled to £6 a week so I'm now wondering if this is the correct thing to do. As I will be back at work from Jan 15 I won't be entitled to any tax credits from then on so do I only give them my maternity pay less the £100 per week as my estimated income then ask then to only pay me from April to Jan?

Any help would be greatly received. Thanks

If you don't tell them the full year's estimated income then you will end up being overpaid, and will have to pay it back.

Thanks Rockchick. It's so confusing. I just want to make sure I'm getting the correct amount whilst I'm off on maternity leave. What would happen if I wasn't returning to work, would I still be entitled to tax credits whilst I was on maternity leave?

It's all based on what you will earn in the tax year, so if you weren't returning to work or were taking some unpaid leave Jan-April then your annual income would be lower than if you're returning to work then.

Remember that if you'll be using registered child care, the threshold is far higher to get help with childcare costs so you may still get some help that way once you return :)

I think with one child the cutoff point is 26k so even with your lower salary it is for the household so for you and your husband/partner.