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Pregnant and will be entitled to child tax credits - when to apply?

Hi,

I am 14 weeks pregnant. Together with my partner our household income is £21k, and looking at the calculator on the HMRC, when the baby is born we will become eligible for child tax credits.

My partner and his ex-wife had a terrible time with tax credits (overpayments/money being clawed back) and he has previously said he doesn't want to claim them ever again. However as we are not on a brilliant level of income - which will fall when I am on maternity leave - I think we should.

I'm a bit confused though. When would we apply? As soon as the baby is born? At the start of the tax year? Before the baby? And when is your income calculated from - I know it's an estimate based on the year before, but is that from the end of the previous tax year? As I will be on maternity pay from the start of December (with the baby being born mid-December or thereabouts). I really want to be able to present this all to my partner in a clear-headed way or I think he will panic, so would very much appreciate any help!

Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 4,176 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    You apply once the baby is born. You will need to apply for child benefit first. Both applicaton packs will be given to you in a bounty pack in the hospital when you have the baby.

    You apply giving the previous years income which is a lot more than maternity pay. When you get your award you phone them up and tell them how much you are actually going to earn in the current year and they reasses your claim.
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