advice for friend

jetcat

i was hoping that someone here may be able to shed a little light on this situation. My friend, who works 16 hours, has 1 son aged 10 months, and is 7 months pregnant with 2nd child. She is married, however husband has just announced he is leaving, and has moved out already. As stated, friend works 16 hours, and is really worried about how she will cope. She (and I) dont have much benefit knowledge, and are trying to figure things out. She has been told (by another friend) that she shouldnt inform tax credits people until she returns to work after her maternity leave (as this will affect payments?) but that will leave her with just maternity allowance - does that sound right? Prior to this, they were earning too much for help with childcare etc, based on husbands income. Since he is now gone (she is devestated so cant see her taking him back anytime soon - thats if he changes his mind!) does she have to wait until the new tax credit year to change her circumstances?

They do have a mortgage, and he has agreed to keep paying the mortgage - big of him!

Any advice would be great, as she is really worried, and in her condition, not sure how much more she can take!

jonuk7

She should if this is correct inform the tax credit people ASAP otherwise they can stop payments if they suspect anything "fishy" if she informs them she should get Child tax credit anyway for her 10month old and as she is working should get Working tax credits, as for childcare im not 100% sure due to her only working 16 hours. She will get child benefit as per anyway, and then her employer should pay SMP while she is away. but she is definatley better declaring the changes ASAP and not waiting otherwise they can look to claim money back or even suspend the claim as the details they have are incorrect.

glitterkitty

She has to tell them NOW. if partner has already moved out, any money she is getting in current claim is fraudulent. She will be put through to the new claims team who will take her new claim over the phone. She must give correct date of him moving out, anything she has been paid since that date she will need to pay back, but can arrange monthly direct debit with the overpayment section to make it easier.
Yes she will be entitled to claim for help with childcare, because she is working 16 hours.
Whoever told her not to tell tax credits yet is obviously an idiot and probably claiming fraudulently themselves!