What happens with Tax Credits after Maternity pay stops?

ironman1

Hello all, just a quick question as i'm posting by phone! I can explain more on computer later but basically I work self employed, live with my Gf in a half mortgage half rent property and have a seven month old baby.

Now my partners maternity pay is coming to an end what happens with our tax credit payments if we fine its more cost effective that she stays at home at least a few months extra rather than put him in a nursery, do we lose them? Do they increase? Thanks

karenx

It depends on your income as to the changes. If your income is below 18k you will still get working tax credits. If over its just child tax credits. And no help with childcare if just one of you is working

ironman1

I earn between 15-20k self employed on basic. We get £58pw at the moment, will be hard with no maternity pay but we may have to do it this way

LL30

There are some changes coming about in April re: hours that have to be worked for couples in order to claim TCs. Might be worth keeping that in mind for the future. I don't know lots about joint claims - anyone got the info on this for OP?

ironman1

I work about 45 hours a week in the building trade self employee but usually for a sub contractor if that makes any sense. So i was told to give my profits rather than catal earnings. So my income changes quite regularly.

ironman1

Also does anyone know if we could get any help paying the rent side of our shared ownership if my earnings are too low?

No doubt someone will say I am a sponger or something but I have never been out of work, touch wood, nor have I ever claimed anything other than Tax Credits.

mildred1978

ironman1 wrote: »

Also does anyone know if we could get any help paying the rent side of our shared ownership if my earnings are too low?

No doubt someone will say I am a sponger or something but I have never been out of work, touch wood, nor have I ever claimed anything other than Tax Credits.

Even on £20k you're paying just £48 per week in tax. You're then getting £58 plus £20 child benefit back per week. I don't think that's too bad given you're £30 a week in profit. Plus the SMP of £120-odd per week for your GF.