I feel stupid for not realising that the change in tax credits would effect me

[pud1]

i have just received a letter stating that I am no longer going to get tax credits. I knew nothing about this. I knew that the child benefit was changing and I was going to loose at next year but missed the whole change in tax credits. I can't believe how this government are screwing us

Tilly, that's the info I found. So they won't be forcing people into jobs with incompatible hours.

HuntyCat, this is what it says about the changes this April on the hmrc site:

From 6 April 2012, the rules for couples with at least one child are changing. In most cases, to qualify for Working Tax Credit your joint working hours will need to be at least 24 a week.

A couple working 24 hours or less between them should be able to manage childcare between them without paying for it.

If they aren't working 24 hours then they'll have to declare their income but will still get CTC and HB/CTB top up. 16 hours @ £6.08 is £97.28. IS for a couple is £105. When they work out the HB they will get to keep some of the earnings.

It used to be 30 hours for a couple and 16 hours for a lone parent. From what I can see, in this first pass, all they are doing is reversing some of the changes.

Dh works 30+ hours self-employed and receives WTC. I am a carer for our son (5) during the mornings, evenings, weekends (nights ) and school holidays.

Would I be expected to do eight hours or would I be exempt? I probably could make that up doing DH's tax, paperwork, advertising etc but would he still have sole-trader status? It is very confusing.

As long as between you, you are doing at least 24 hours with one of you doing at least 16 hours you will be fine (for this round of tax credits anyway).

Thanks QED.

We won't be totally screwed until UC comes in then

That's how I'm looking at it for the moment