Is this too much??

banana1975

I have decided to apply again for CTC - even though I had nothing but problems with it a few years ago and vowed never again!

I have 3 children aged 9, 3 and 16 months and have a partner who is working full time and earns just over £25,000 per year. I was on maternity leave for the majority of last year and although I earned £6,400 they have advised me to take off £3,900 due to SMP.

When I called they asked some other questions and advised me that I would be eligable and I would get £54 per week!! Also that it could be backdated for 93 days.

This seems far too much. I was expected to get about £50 per month not per week.

Does anyone know if this is correct as the last thing that I want to do is have another big overpayment.

OrkneyStar

You can check using entitledto.co.uk.

banana1975

Thanks I have and it has come out with a similar figure. Just seems high when other half has what I consider a good wage.

If I posted off the application today what sort of timeline can I expect before I receive a payment? I am thinking 6 weeks but could it be quicker than this?

affordmylife

my husband earns that and we have 3 children and only get £50 a month which we are paying back due to a previous overpayment - so therefore we get nothing!

SuziQ

A new award from CTC has never taken longer than 2 weeks for me,and is usually only 7 days.

banana1975

affordmylife wrote: »

my husband earns that and we have 3 children and only get £50 a month which we are paying back due to a previous overpayment - so therefore we get nothing!

Can I ask do you work as well?

I have previously had to pay back an overpayment and want to avoid this again.

As I stated I thought that I would get about 50 per month not per week.

Spendless

Have you got/did you have childcare expenses, or anyone with a disability in family that might affect your amount.

banana1975

No childcare expenses or any disabilities. This is why I am confused as it seems too high - however entitled to.co.uk is also giving me the same ball park figure so it does seem to be right.

ailuro2

If you really believe the money is on the high side(and can do without some of it) then put the extra money away in an ISA and you'll be able to keep the interest.

banana1975

I think I will try to keep it safe as I just have a feeling that it is too high an amount.

It really should not be like this - us worrying that they have paid us too much. As much as I believe that tax credits are great, they also cause great headaches for families when it all goes wrong.

Why cannot there be a rule that is easy to follow that you can see yourself if the award is correct. I know that you get an award notice which you have to check but it is not always straightforward.

mitchaa

This may help you..

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1047921

The figures are definitely correct, Jessica's last post is misleading.

Because you have 3 children your threshold level jumps quite considerably, up by about £16k before you would be placed on the basic £545 family element, so seeing as your personal threshold is set at £33,500 and you're earning only £28,500 then you will be awarded an award higher than that of the £545pa.

£54x52 = £2808pa award or £2263 at the higher award, £545 at family

I would imagine this to probably be correct, check the entitled to and the do i qualify website to see if they match up and if they do, see it as a little bonus. I personally would put it away for the kiddies if you can afford it as it's extra money you didn't think you would get and you wont be missing it, or at least a portion of it anyway