Tax credits I am confused

needhelp12

I made a single claim today after closing joint clam due to DH leaving me. BUT I am confused.

Adviser told me I gave my figures last year as 3k (But I swear I gave them 7k when I came to renew this year), Anyway I am not exactly sure what I will be earning this year as I have given up my job and started with an agency, more pay but hours will vary weekly, like one week I could get 40 the next 0, so I told them I will be doing the min of 16 hr a week (he agree to average it out). And to be on the safe side I told him I will be earning 10k this year.

So If I go below 10k like only earn 5k will I have to pay any TC/WTC back? and same for going over the 10k?

I need to dig deep for my renewal confirmation on WHAT I told them I earned last year.

And have they gone by last years earnings or this years rough earnings to pay me £230ish a week (includes dla element) I swear he told me i would get just over 7k per year, I asked what does that work out weekly and he said £230 I just calculated and that works out as over 11k? Would that be TC and then the rest made up with WTC? I am confused...

Thank you

wannabedebtfree_2

Have a go on ; http://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx

I personally think it's better to slightly over-estimate and then end up with a lump-sum back payment next year than under-estimate and end up having an overpayment to pay them back.

E.g. to enter this years estimated earnings I would use 16 hrs per week at £6 per hour (or whatever they've said you'll be on) and then maybe add £200-300 to the annual amount as a buffer zone.

As long as your hours are regular enough for it to average at 16 hours a week then you shoudn't be out of pocket, what will you do if your hours only average 10? You need to consider the potential pit falls of agency work as it would make a huge difference to your household income and your benefit entitlement if you end up doing less than 16 hrs per week average - you would not get the WTC element - but would then be eligible for free school meals etc.

Also please make sure you consider how you will cope financially if one month you have very few hours and only bring home £50 and then the following month you bring home £500, you need some sort of plan in place as to how your household budget is going to be managed with a fluctuating income. You may have already thought of this, but this would be my own biggest worry if I were in your situation.

Best wishes x

Best of luck with it all.