How will JSA affect Tax credits?

allan1983

Having finished Uni in December (completed course) I have now found myself unable to get a job, so have made a claim for JSA.
After 2 weeks of being totally in the dark, I have finally been informed i qualify for Income based JSA, with an element of contributions based also.
Essentially I have no idea what this means, but I know how much Im getting now.
I need to inform tax credits, but just wanted to know how this will affect our tax credit situation (if at all)
We have 2 daughters, 1 disabled and gets high rate care component DLA. my parnter cares for our daughter so doesnt work and gets carers allowance.

I would be grateful if someone with any knowledge of JSA and tax credits could let me know what will likely happen to our tax credits?
I know I cant change it but would like to be prepared!!

Thanks guys

kingfisherblue

I may be wrong, but I think you get the highest amount of child tax credit if you are on JSA, but this might be different as it is part contributions based and also because your wife gets CA. Do tax credits know that you have a disabled child? You get additional premiums (meaning a higher payment) for a child who gets DLA. If your daughter is on high rate care, the amount is increased again.

allan1983

Thanks kingfisherblue.
Tax credits are aware of our daughters situation, and as far as i know we get additional money from them because she is on the high level, as you said.

I was worried that the fact I am now on JSA would decrease our tax credits award.

JSA wont cover the bills as it is and if TC went down too we really would take a dive:(

zagfles

You'll get maximum (untapered) CTC because you get some income based JSA. So it won't go down.