Can i get tax credits?

mrsread

hello.
i am going on maternity leave in three months, i am trying to find out if i am entitled to anything. i will not be going back to work as i work full time and i want to be a stay at home mummy. my husband works also. i have filled in the calculator on the hmrc website and it asks for what i have earnt in the previous year but when i leave work i will not be receiving anything. if i had not earnt anything we are entitled to some money but with what i did earn i cant have a penny. does this make sense? why do they ask for the previous years earnings?

i am worried as we cannot afford to live on just one wage, please help.

mrsread

oh also. can i claim for anything while on maternity leave?

McKneff

It is your choice that you stay at home, if you cant live on one wage why not look for a part time job after baby is born.

It's a luxury being able to be a SAHM and only those who can afford it can do it.

mrsread

i need to be a stay at home mum as my husband works 6 days a week. it is not a choice! i have worked full time for seven years since being married. and it is everyones right to have a child. it is not my fault we cant afford a family of three on one wage, all i wanted to know is how can i claim

mrsread

McKneff wrote: »

It is your choice that you stay at home, if you cant live on one wage why not look for a part time job after baby is born.

It's a luxury being able to be a SAHM and only those who can afford it can do it.

i wasnt asking your opinion i was asking for advice...:T

karenx

You may be entitled depending on your partners income. What is that? You yourself can't claim anything other the child benefit and maybe tax credits. You don't get anything for staying at home to look after your child

MrsManda

How much does your husband earn?
Do you own your house or rent?
Do you get any benefits at the moment?

When you're on maternity leave will you be receiving Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance or Occupational Maternity Pay?

As Karenx said, you cannot claim anything for looking after your child but may be entitled to benefits as a household.

McKneff

mrsread wrote: »

i wasnt asking your opinion i was asking for advice...:T

I did give you advice.

If you cant manage on one wage , look for a part time job.

You do have a choice, find child care for baby while you work.
Millions of mums do it because they, like you, cant manage on one wage.

McKneff

mrsread wrote: »

i need to be a stay at home mum as my husband works 6 days a week. it is not a choice! i have worked full time for seven years since being married. and it is everyones right to have a child. it is not my fault we cant afford a family of three on one wage, all i wanted to know is how can i claim

No one has questioned your right to have a child.

I question your right to expect the state to pay for your 'right to hav a child' when you are quite capable of working.

zagfles

If your income drops this year by more than £2500 your tax credits will be based on this year's income plus the £2500 disregard. For instance if your income last year was £30,000 and you expect your income this year to be £20,000 your tax credits will be based on an income of £22,500.

The first £100pw of maternity pay is disregarded.

When you apply they will ask for last year's income and you might get a nil award, but you can then phone then with an estimate for this year. Be aware though that if the estimate turns out to be too low you will have an overpayment so be careful, best to overestimate your income (if it's too high you'll be underpaid and get a lump sum payment at the end of the year)

zagfles

McKneff wrote: »

No one has questioned your right to have a child.

I question your right to expect the state to pay for your 'right to hav a child' when you are quite capable of working.

If the OP wants to be a SAHM she will be entitled to tax credits etc based on the household income. Whether you think that's right or not is not an issue for discussing here.

Besides she could be entitled to more state help if she works due to the childcare element.