Working tax credits

tobymangel

I completed the calculator on directgov website yesterday on the off chance that i was entitled to anything.To my surprise it came back I could claim £50pw!
I'm not to sure on this (sounds to good to be true) so will outline some of the information I put in.
I am single
Work 40 hours per week on min wage
Last year I earned £21,000 however due to a change of jobs I earn only £12-£13,000 this year.
I have income from a lodger of £65pw This includes everything except meals.
I pay council tax of £103 pm.
I have a mortgage.

Does this sound realistic I asked a couple of people at work today what they thought they didn't think it sounded right and i've never heard of other people in my situation claiming this amount.

Reading through the website it all sounds quite complicated but i'm going to ring up for the claim form just in case.
Just curious as to whether people think I will get anything as I was looking into getting a second job.

Caz3121

If you look at the entitlement tables here you will see there is no payment for WTC as high as that (when no children) - one of the calculators gives the total payable between now and the end of the tax year so it may be possible that you are due £50 for the rest of the year (not per week)
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/people-advise-others/entitlement-tables/work-no-child.htm
not sure whether the income from your lodger counts as income for tax credits (I know it won't be taxable) If so that would rule you out altogether as your income would be over £13k

tobymangel

thanks i was looking all over for something similar to the table you linked because it sounded so unrealistic to get that amount pw on top of my wages,
But it definetly said pw as it also gave a total of what my weekly money total (including wages, the lodgers rent and £50 wtc) would give £300+(can't remember exact amount).

Obviously I have submited incorrect figures somewhere on the form.
Knew it was too good to be true !

doodoot

Best way to find out for sure is to apply for credits.

If they say no, then you've lost nothing.

If they say yes, then pop the cash in a savings account for a rainy day - you've managed on your income so far, so look on the credits as a bonus!