Can I claim working tax credit while on maternity leave?

[elkiedee]

I'm on maternity leave from work in connection with birth of a first baby and believe on current household income I should qualify for a small amount "working tax credit" - I will go from full to half pay after 16 weeks in August (baby will be just over 3 months old) - however, I'm not going back to work until March. As my maternity leave is my employer's scheme, I am still earning.

None of the wtc articles I've seen mention what happens while you're on paid maternity leave and how this is counted.

Also, at the end of my ml I have some paid holiday to take. Presumably I'd get wtc if I was on holiday from work, which I would be, so am I entitled to it while on al added to my ml?

Any help anyone can offer gratefully received.

Yes, you can claim. Does depend on your income (and any partner's income) though. Do give them a call (have your national insurance number ready) and get the form. Fill in the form and send it off. I heard back really quickly and it was definitely worth the effort. My amount has changed as the amount coming in to my household has changed (i.e. going down to half pay and then no pay), do keep them informed of any changes in your circumstances.

Thanks for that, if anyone else sees this and wants to know, I put this thread here by mistake and there's more information on my second try thread placed in Legal/Money matters.