Can i get tax credits?

Mumto3cheekymonkeys

zagfles wrote: »

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.

This is very true, when I worked pt my annual childcare was around £9000 TC paid 80% of this but my earnings were lower more like £6000.

mrsread

thank you Zagfles, i am so confused with it all, hubby earns about £21,000 before tax. as they ask for the years before earnings im not entitled to anything but when i calculate it with out what i earnt i am entitled to some, i asked my boss if i can work saturdays (as its hubbys only day off) but hubby wants to spend one day a week with me as a family.

thanks for the helpfull advice! xxxx

mrsread

zagfles wrote: »

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)

can i claim while on maternity leave, or do i wait till it is over xxx

zagfles

mrsread wrote: »

can i claim while on maternity leave, or do i wait till it is over xxx

You can claim as soon as you've had the baby (maybe before but probably worth waiting till after).

mrsread

thank you xxx

sunnyone

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

The time to enquire about benfits etc. is before you get pregnant so you're at least 6 months late to be worrying about money because you cant live on one wage.

genny

This will probably help you:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/people-advise-others/entitlement-tables/no-work-child.htm

ManicMum

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.

It isn't a luxury, I can tell you. I would say it's a luxury to go to work - who the hell can afford the fees? No point if the costs are more or the same as your wages. Better spending that time with your child. We afford it because we don't spend highly like a lot of people we know where both parents work. It's catch 22. No time to make the savings required to stay at home. Or they just won't accept a lower standard of living.

OP - you are right to want to spend this time with your child. Why should not have the chance?