Working tax credits as a couple

relic

Hello,

I'm looking to apply for working tax credits as soon as my P60 comes through.

I am also looking to claim as a couple, although we aren't married, we live together and have a baby due in November (we have also been together for 3 years).

My partner had a job working part time at a local bar, but due to a previous problem with a past pregnancy that we lost, she had to leave as there was a lot of lifting involved and she didn't want any problems. So I work full time, and she doesn't work any hours at the moment.

Basically, she isn't claiming JSA or any benefits, neither of us are.

I worked out initially a claim for a single person (didnt notice I had done it) on entitledto, and it works out I get around £10 a week. Now, I've done it again as a couple and it works out at £47~ a week.

My question is, is this basically like income support the extra money, or could she claim for JSA (she is looking for new work) as well as this extra WTC? I've never claimed before, but with a baby coming up I need all the help I can get!

Thank you

Hammyman

As you are a couple, she would be claiming income based JSA so would get nothing as you work fulltime and your income exceeds the amount for a JSA claim. Your tax credit award is based on joint income. When you did the entitledto.com, you obviously didn't put in you had a child. Once the child arrives, you'll get Child Tax Credit that is worth roughly £50 a week so you'd get roughly £100 a week in tax credits in total. Also your OH will get Child Benefit as well.

relic

Hammyman wrote: »

As you are a couple, she would be claiming income based JSA so would get nothing as you work fulltime and your income exceeds the amount for a JSA claim. Your tax credit award is based on joint income. When you did the entitledto.com, you obviously didn't put in you had a child. Once the child arrives, you'll get Child Tax Credit that is worth roughly £50 a week so you'd get roughly £100 a week in tax credits in total. Also your OH will get Child Benefit as well.

Many thanks, so I presume if things stay as they are, with my partner not claiming JSA, I can put my claim forward and receive the higher amount through WTC? Seems easier than her having to go through claiming JSA, and since she is being selective with jobs it seems more fair to the system.

Hammyman

Pretty much on the ball.