Confused about tax credits!

diet_pepsi

I'm trying to work out if we're entitled to any tax credit help, as me and OH are living on a shoe string budget at the moment!

I live with my OH in his house that he owns with a mortgage. We have a 9 month old. We are not married.

He works a 40 hour week earning about £35k, and I work a 25 hour week earning about £22k.

DS goes to nursery, which costs £700/month.

I own a property with my ex (so half a property!), which is currently on the market and empty. I can't rent it out as it would make it too difficult to sell should the tenant wish to exercise their legal right to quiet enjoyment and refuse all viewings.

I tried filling in the details on "entitled to", but it's just too confusing. It asks about a second property, so I presumed I had to say yes, even though I don't actually OWN a second property. I only actually own half of one!

Although we earn a reasonable salary between us, with a mortgage each, bills, food, nursery costs, and running two cars, we're only just breaking even.

What makes it more annoying is that if I fill in my details on "entitledto.co.uk" living alone with DS in my property (which is just a few miles away...), then I'd be entitled to around £9700 of tax credits and child benefit per year!!

Obviously I'm not willing to lie about my living arrangements, as I'm a moral person, but surely we must be entitled to SOME tax credits??

Is there any sort of helpline where they will help you with complicated scenarios like ours?

DaisyFlower

You have a household income of £57k, other than child benefit you dont qualify for anything even without the added property. You need to look at your outgoings, even with nursery fees you should have more than enough to live on.

Sam____2

57k is hardly a shoestring budget!
You will still be getting child benefit, currently that is paid regardless of income.
I take it you pay half the mortgage on your other property? your ex will be paying the other half?
From what I know from a friend who was renting a property that went on the market, she had to be compliant with viewings (within reason, decent notice etc) so that shouldn't be to much of an issue.
Perhaps you could find areas to cut back, mobile phones, broadband, eating out, shopping (buying cheaper alternatives etc) have a look round the other boards on here. They can be a great help.

A lot of people have to get by on far less than you have coming in, just because you have a lot of outgoings doesn't make you any more entitled to benefits than anyone else...

BoroPhil

ok, you can ignore the first two replies. I'm not sure what the current threshold for one child is, it used to be pretty high especially when the child was under one but I think the tories have reduced it. you are honestly best off just ringing the tax credit line and hopefully they can answer your questions. 0845 300 3900

BoGoF

This site is getting beyond belief.....£57k joint income but 'surely I must be entitled to something'

If you can't afford 2 mortgages drop the price of your other property....problem solved

Sam____2

BoroPhil wrote: »

ok, you can ignore the first two replies. I'm not sure what the current threshold for one child is, it used to be pretty high especially when the child was under one but I think the tories have reduced it. you are honestly best off just ringing the tax credit line and hopefully they can answer your questions. 0845 300 3900

Ignore the first 2 replies?! why?

nannytone_2

or sign it over to your ex..........im sure he'd be happy and yiu have an instant saving!

BoGoF

I'm willing to bet the OP has a 42" plasma TV, Sky HD, Playstation 3, foreign holidays etc etc and that is why they 'break even'

nannytone_2

maybe they'll adopt me..................lol

BoroPhil

Sam___ wrote: »

Ignore the first 2 replies?! why?

Its about helping people get their entitlement! Not about benefits policy!

This board is here for help and support for those on or looking to claim benefits, not for judgement.


pretty much sums it up?

diet_pepsi

So much for being NICE to moneysavers... (but thank you for the polite replies).

Salary 1 £2,000.00
Salary 2 £1,280.00
Child Benefit £81.00
TOTAL £3,361.00


Mortgage 1 £750.00
Mortgage 2 £650.00
Gas £30.00
Elec £40.00
Water £35.00
Council Tax £100.00
Car 1 (tax, MOT, Ins) £70.00
Car 2 (tax, MOT, Ins) £45.00
Petrol £260.00
Internet/Phone/TV £45.00
Mobile phone x 2 £40.00
Nursery £730.00
Groceries (inc. nappies etc...) £300.00
Dog £40.00
Motorbike tax/mot/ins £80.00
Aerobics Class £20.00
Beer/wine £40.00
House Insurance 1 £20.00
House Insurance 2 £20
TOTAL £3,315.00

As you can see BoGoF, there are no holidays included, no expensive Sky TV (we have basic Virgin package with broadband - so no exciting channels), no meals out. My OH has a 40" TV (It's old, so not worth selling). No PS3 but we do have an old wii.

The wine/beer money is because we don't go out, so enjoy a bottle of wine at weekends.

Thankfully the empty property is council tax exempt for a bit longer, as otherwise that'll be another £50 for my half.

The motorbike belongs to my OH, and obviously it needs to be insured.

Most our outgoings are things that can't be changed. £57k may be a large income, but it's not like we're frivolous with our money

Oh, and I can't drop the price of the property for sale as my ex refuses. He is happy to leave it on the market and wait for a buyer. I just hope interest rates don't rise!