... not to worry that this year's award is based on last year's income (with me on maternity leave) even though I've given them my much higher estimate for this year. Apparently the award will only change if my income this year is £25000 more than last year. I am really scared of using the money in case they want it back at the end of the year. Lady on helpline assured me she was telling me the truth. Logic would say to put it in a savings account just in case, but we really need the money tbh.