Tax Credits, VERY HACKED OFF!

[WHITEWINESODA]

Right I have gone back to work after second DD, only doing 9 hours. I can't claim working Tax Credit now but DH can, just had recalculation and we will get less than half of what we were receiving when I worked 16 hours. How is this fair when I get less pay as well, can someone please explain how this system works!

It's because to a certain extent with working tax credit the more tax you pay, the more you get credit on, if that makes sense. I didn't think you could claim at all under 16 hours. Not 100% sure though, they make my head spin.

I can't claim as I work under 16 hours but DP can now claim, he works 39 hours. I'm starting to feel there was no point in going back to work, except for my own sanity of course!

Did you get childcare though when you worked the 16 hours? If so, that will be why there is a difference as you both have to do at least 16 hours to qualify for that part.

It could also be that the salary the original WTC amount was based on varies from the new amount.

But in real life you don't get paid more for working less. I suspect it's the child care element of working tax credits that has gone as you are now at home more (and you don't both work 16 hrs, as Happy said).

I didn't receive the childcare element when I worked 16 hours, was lucky to have Grannies helping. Now I'm only doing 9 hours I'm paying for nursery for eldest DD while youngest goes to granny's but I can't claim wtc.