Tax credits - a question

[muffintop]

I received a letter from the inland revenue to check my tax credits. I rang them and checked my details which were fine - the lady I spoke to said I had been claiming too many weeks and that you were only allowed to claim 39 weeks child care and consequently now owe them money. I cannot find any info on this and am terried they are going to stop my money. I work 3 days a week and this money covers my bills, mortgage, etc. The money from the tax credits is what we live on. Has this happened to anyone else as since I spoke to this lady they have taken £30 off my tax credit for last week and have not been notified.

I am now really worried that I am not going to be able to manage on what they decide to pay me.

Hi, can't really help you but didn't want to ignore you. I get help towards childcare and have been for 14 months, have never heard anything about only being able to claim 39 weeks before.

The only thing I can advise is that you phone them again, I have found that you get told something different everytime you phone..

Sorry can't help more

Are you off sick or maternity leave?

If you only work 5 days per week is the 39 weeks just a (rough) apportionment of that? ie 3/5 x 52

Do you work term-time only? You can only claim child care costs for weeks you work. So even if you need to pay for child care 52 weeks per year to keep your place open, you can only claim for costs for the 39 term-time weeks.

Hi

sorry not to answer your questions earlier - I work part time 3 days a week and do work term time but my pay is spread over 12 months - maybe thats where the 39 weeks comes in - thanx for your responses - will wait to be at the mercy of the tax credits

Yes, that will be what it is.