help for change in circumstances

WOWICANDOIT

Hi I am looking for some advice for my friend at work regarding tax credits and maternity pay. She is a single mother and she gets both work and child tax credits which is greatt she is elligible for maternity pay for 39 weeks at 90% of her wages but whilst she is off is she still able to claim the working tax credits or will they stop as she is not working she usually works 18 hour a week. I know its not a debt free wanabe question but she is on a strict budget and thought someone may know.
Thanks in advance

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pania

not sure hon but bumped for you so someone that does know can see it

blissfullydebtfreewannabe

Hi,

I work for tax credits. She is still considered to be working for the full 39 weeks of SMP, and on top of her child tax credits, she is entitled to both working tax credits and the childcare element as well (if she uses it for that child or any other children).

Tax credits also disregard £100 per week of her income for the period that she receives SMP (so she can take off a maximum of £3900 (£100 x the 39 weeks) off her expected income in this tax year).

I would also advise her to phone tax credits on 0845 300 3900 (open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm) to give her estimated income for 2008-2009, as if it is lower than last year, then it is likely that that will be taken into consideration.

Hope this helps, and if you need any further advice, just PM me.