Extra Tax Credits Whilst Pregnant?

redmel1621

Hi

Well the title says it all really!
My friend who is 23wks pregnant told me last night she has had a raise on her tax credits because she has informed them she is pregnant...Has anybody heard of this before?

Mel x

Spendless

Nope. You get the baby element of tax credits - an additional £545p.a for 1st year of babys life. Sure it's not cos her income has changed eg if she's now on maternity pay. Unless they've got crossed wires and think the baby is here, I only informed them of my youngests arrival, I didn't have to send birth certificate off.

redmel1621

This is what I thought.

She definately said she is getting extra because she told them she is pregnant and can't afford to buy all the baby stuff she needs, I don't understand it at all.

Mel x

Spendless

oh it's not that £500 to buy stuff with is it. I can't remember what it's called.

skylight

Sure Start Maternity Grant.

Spendless

That's it, cheers skylight.

skylight

But you have to apply for the grant separately and the OPs friend is now getting more tax credit though? I personally would double check with my friend and ensure she has received and checked the new award notice. It could be because of a reduction in income or the operator made a mistake and thought she was being told the baby was already here.

redmel1621

No, that's the sure start grant you can't apply for that until 39wks pg (11wk before edd)

I might phone them, but don't want to sound like a fool on the phone or drop her in it!!!

We had been chatting away and she definately said she has had a raise on her tax credits, when I asked why she said 'because I phoned them and told them I am pregnant and can't afford any baby stuf' well this is what she told me anyway!!!!!

Just to say it is not because of a drop in wages as her dh has just had a raise of 1200pa and she doesn't work..

mel x

jay1jay

You don't get extra tax credits for being pregnant - your friend is mistaken. And the operator couldn't accidentally add a baby to the claim without being given the baby's anme and date of birth - which would then be checked against child benefit records.

redmel1621

Well as far as I am concerned you have all confirmed exactly what I thought..You cannot claim tax credits for a pregnancy, only once the baby is born.

I am utterly confused, I will definately quiz her about it next time I talk to her!!!!

Mel x

Spendless

mel- from a prev post I know you are pregnant too, what about saying I rang tax credits to see about ours being changed cos of what you said, and they say that's not correct. Do you think you should check yours just in case you are being overpaid by accident. And of course they can't add a child without a name or date- that was me being dippy-lol.