What counts as low income??

OlipopsMummy

ok im looking through all possible benefits that i can claim and they all say your are eligible if you are on a low income, none however state how much they deem as a low income so i cant work anything out. Basically i dont work but my partner does, we have a child who is 18months (the reason i dont work) and one on the way. I spoke to tax credits today and they said that as of the new tax year they wont count the money i earnt 2009/2010 and will put me down at £0, meaning they will only count partners wage as our household income. Now i remember hearing that if you have a household income of less than £20,000 that is a low income and you qualify for a lot more help. Does anyone know if this is true or is it in fact much lower than £20,000. I need to know asap really as my partner is paid hourly wage and is extremely close to going over £20,000 and we want to know if it will make a big difference if he takes next week off unpaid and keeps his yearlky income under this amount. We together have paid a hell of a lot in income tax e.c.t and are not looking to take advantage of the system we just see it as getting our tax back in a way. Please help if you can.

rinabean

I'm not sure myself, but you could try using a calculator like this one: entitledto.co.uk (can't post a proper link)

I can't personally vouch for its accuracy but it might be a good starting point.

karenx

for working tax credits the cut off is 17k.
you also get the nhs exemption certificate too.
and earn under that to get housing benefit and council tax benefit.
So I would suggest your partner takes overtime etc as a way to top up your household income

OlipopsMummy

Ok thanks, I must have heard it wrong, havent been able to find any information its such a pain in the @ss

Kimitatsu

the low income marker is anything under £16040 - under that amount you are entitled to free school meals etc.