tax creds taking forever, could miss surestart grant!

GlasweJen

My head is fried at the moment so can't remember who asked but yes, if you call tax credits closer to November and explain that you want to make a claim for child tax credits they will send out the forms before the baby is born (or at least they used to). You have to make it clear that the birth is imminent and that your income will make you eligable.

alwaysonthego_2

A reminder from MSE Dan

IN THE BENEFITS BOARD

This board is for people to work out what they are entitled to, and we hope other forummers will continue to provide invaluable help in this.

However, anyone disrupting threads in this board with their views on the benefits system, making impolite comments about benefits claimaints, or taking part in arguments (whether or not you started them) will have action taken against them

MichelleM

Just an update for those who have had similar issues. I rang the job centre people that deal with the grant and told them about the situation. They said that as long as your Tax Credit is back paid from the date of baby's birth then you can "appeal" and inform them of your change in circumstances but only when the first payment has gone into your account.

HOWEVER, if you do not get the ST grant based on your first application for tax credits and then you get a new tax creds award because youre on maternity leave, you have to make a NEW application (before baby is 3 months old) as they can only apply one renewal on any existing ST application.

I have been awarded my TCs but just waiting for payment and letter to confirm, then I have to ring ST. Fingers crossed.

djbum_syd

I phoned up for at TC application when my daughter was 3 days old - took them a month to get it to me, I sent back the same day (with every piece of correct documentation that they needed) and it took them another 6 months (and some very angry letters from my MP) before they sorted it.
I know that is of now help to you, lol, but just wanted to warn you of how long it can take unfortunately.

karenx

Duncombe wrote: »

Some of the comments on here seem to be conflicting. Can my sister phone tax credits and get forms for WTC and CTC to fill in BEFORE her baby is born? Just so she can send them off as soon as he arrives?

Yes she can request the forms and have them ready to send off once baby is born!!

someonehadmyusername

you can actually make a claim before children are born, if you are working 30 hrs week or your partner is, then it will be a wtc and if your income more than about £18k, once processed, you will get a 'nil award', an award notice saying you meet criteria, claim processed but no payments due to level of income, you will then have a live claim on system and when child born, its a phonecall to add child on

MichelleM

Just to update- I was awarded the ST grant today! Thanks to those who offered their support.