I thought I'd start a new thread on the Budget, and the brutal cuts to tax credits.
I spotted this loophole yesterday, and had it confirmed today by reading this article here:
www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/budget-2015-tax-credits-loophole-6035314
The most important bit being:
*It shows many big families are likely to be hit despite already having three or more offspring before April 2017.
A loophole will count families as a 'new claim' if they've had a 6-month break in claiming tax credits.
And those who already have three children - but who claim for the first time after April 2017 - will also count as a 'new claim', meaning they only get paid for two children.
That means anyone who lifts themselves out of poverty for a long stretch but then loses their job again will lose thousands of pounds.*
Although it says families who currently have 3 or more children won't be hit, as it's only for new claims after April 17, claims become 'new' when there's been a break for 6 months or more.
So say you're currently with 4 children, both working hard (but low pay) and you tax credits top up means you get by. Then somehow you get either more hours/higher wage/better options etc and you don't need the TC's anymore (which would be fantastic right? we all want better wages and not have to rely on TC's) and life is good. Then maybe that job doesn't last/something happens...and you have to rely on TC's to top you up again, you'll only get them for 2 children.