Why do you sometimes get an extra lump sum from wftc bods?

[KathH]

In Aug last year our child minding fees went up by £20 a week. The WFTC adjusted out monthly payment but we also got an extra payment of £300 odd. They've just gone up again by £20 per week. Will we get an extra payment again & why? If we're only paying £20 a week extra from the week we tell them & if they adjust the monthly payment from this week onwards or will they just clobber us for loads of money when we renew? Does anyone know?

The mind boggles over the tax credits system. I have had lump sums I have had arrears. They just seem to do what they feel like (I am sure that is not actually true).

You should only tell them of changes in chidcare payments that last for 4 or more weeks.

At the end of the day they estimate what payments are due based on what you tell them. At the end of the year you tell them what you actually earned and then they finalise the award based on actual information. If when they work out the final figures you 'owe them money' they normally adjust next years payments to recoup the losses, rather than physically asking you to send it back.

You should still tell them about changes in childcare as I don't think they will backdate that.

Am beginning to think that they just like paying random amounts as I just cant get my head round it!

I did download the proper calculation and it took me 4hrs to get my head around it (which I did eventually).

I have been stung for a 4 figure (and not beginning with a 1) repayment which has been recouped thru reduced payments in subsequent years.

Now my policy is this:
Tell them about all childcare changes straight away (they can't backdate this element (unless of course you forget to tell them it has gone down!!!).
Add 10% onto your combined estimated earnings (to soak up any pay rises and increased bonuses and DP is self employed so may earn a bit more in the coming year).

That way I am hoping that I will never be overpaid again and if I get a lump sum cos of overestimating my earnings that will be a bonus.

well i told them childcare had gone up so if nothing else i guess I'll get at least 60 trees worth of notices in a few days time!

That is the one thing they are good at. I complained about it and was told there was nothing they could do cos that is the system. What I want to know is why both same award notice at the same address. Is the same true if you are married?

Message withdrawn

yes - you still get about 400 notices if you're married!