Child benefit / tax credits

[MissBax]

I was just wondering when I should apply - before EDD and then send confirmation when baby arrives, or not bother with anything till after?
Also, can anyone tell me the difference between child tax credits and working tax credits? Do you apply for both or OOTO?

After the baby arrives. They will backdate it for a certain period of time (3 months?)

You can't apply for child benefit for a child that doesn't yet exist.

With the CTC and the WTC, I think it's the same form you fill in for both and then they decide which you're eligible for. You have to be on quite a low income to get WTC, but I don't know how much. Whereas some people get CTC but not WTC.

Herat thanks for that enlightening, if not semi condescending, piece of information 😉 I just wasn't sure whether you were meant to inform them of impending arrival or not. I wasn't suggesting I can actually claim anything until after baby arrives.
Thanks Nenny :)

@missbax

The information re when to apply for child benefit is clearly stated on the form, which is easy to download on the internet. Or just google 'when should I apply for child benefit'

Any condescending response is because it's actually really easy to find it out yourself. LMGTFY etc....

www.google.co.uk/search?q=when+should+i+apply+for+child+benefit&oq=when+should+I+apply+for+ch&aqs=chrome.3.69i57j0l5.8076j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Alllllriiiightyyyyythennnnnnn

I've printed the forms that I believe I am eligible for & completed as much as possible. Then I will finish the form once the baby is here.

Saves a bit of time then x

You can't apply for child benefit until the baby is registered. Then you can apply for both, tax credits check with child benefit to confirm before they award your TC's.