questions re tax credits, maternity leave and income support

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

Hello, can anyone help me? My two questions are...

1. As our combined income for this tax year was less than the previous one, and our combined income for the next tax year will be less still, can I expect my tax credits to go UP after april?

1. When on maternity leave, but on the last leg with no pay, can one claim income support? (assuming one is single or ones DH isnt working)

2b. (lol)How much, in that case, is income support for a family of two adults and a baby, when neither are working?

Ta v much!

Tax credits fall into different brackets so it depends how much your joint income dropped by as to whether you fall into the next bracket to gain more tax credits. You cant claim WTC when on extended maternity so you need to let them know if you do claim WTC and take the extra leave.

You cant claim IS when on maternity leave as you are still classed as employed. Is your DH not working or claiming JSA?

I dont think you can simply choose to claim IS as a couple, they will expect one of you to work - if your DH is out of work joint JSA allowance is around £90 for a couple but you being on maternity leave and still employed may mean it cant be a joint claim.

If your DH isnt working, it may be more worthwhile that you return to work after OML and claim WTC (if your salary/hours meet the criteria).

You can claim IS as a couple from 11 wks before baby born and 15 wks after baby born. Partner would need to work less than 24hrs per week. Mat pay taken into account.

You need to let Tax credits know if income will be much less next tax year as you may be entitled to more. For each week you get SMP you can deduct £100 from income for that tax year