Claiming WTC when off work sick

Starflower

This is a long-shot, but does anyone know if there is a loophole to claim WTC for the 28 weeks off-work period, once the 28 weeks off-work period has passed !?

I've been off work since April after an operation to remove a brain tumour which has left me partially sighted. I am awaiting radiotherapy treatment to start.

Today I received a letter from the DWP awarding me the lowest rates of care & mobility Disability Living Allowance, which I applied for back in June. In this letter, it mentioned WTC, which I had naively assumed you had to be working to be able to claim, so I was surprised to read you could claim it when off sick. (ETA - I am on unpaid sick leave from my job, which I intend to return to sometime in 2012).

I have never claimed any tax credits before, but the crucial bit is, the 28-weeks off-work ended on 26 October, when I moved from SSP to ESA.

Am I right in saying I cannot claim the WTC as I am now outside the entitlement period ?

My income this year will only be around £10k (including ESA).

I could kick myself for not knowing this, but I have to say that the support given for anyone off work long-term is useless, I only claimed DLA because a friend mentioned it & now I am paranoid that there may be other benefits I am entitled to that I am unaware of.

Any help or guidance gratefully received !

paulofessex

I think a trip to the local CAB would be your best bet. They may even have drop in sessions more local to you i.e. at Housing offices. Remember to take all relevant paperwork with you.

The CAB will be also assist in writing the correct letters needed to claim any entitled backdated benefits.