Working tax credit?

supersaverkerry

I already posted on student money saving but it confused me as someone said you have to get less than minimum wage to get working tax credit as as single person.

Situation -

single, but live with ex - co-tenants, landlady wont seperate tenancies, runs out end of year, Im using this time to save a deposit to move out. Once the tenancy expires he will ask for a single tenancy as he can afford it and I can't. I would move out sooner but just do not have the money for a deposit and have not even had my first pay check yet.

We have seperate rooms, he used to pay most of the bills and all of the rent because I was off work ill till last week. Now everything is 50/50 apart from council tax which I am exempt from and he pays.

We have a written agreement between us saying we will each pay our share as housemates.

I work 30 hours at £6.08 - approx £9484 per year income

I am a full time student - 13.5 hours per week

I am 24 and know working tax credit is for 25s and over, so I cant claim till my birthday in a few weeks time, but when I am 25 can I claim?

The calculator says I would get something like £16 per week, but someone posted on the student section saying in reality I wouldnt get that because tax credits is for people getting lower than minimum wage, surely minimum wage is just that and an employer can not pay you less in which case no single people would be able to get it?

I will be trying to get over time as I want to get as much money together as I can to leave, but I need to pace myself as I have been very ill and going back to work full time has been a real challenge in itself, so need to take things slowly.

If I cant get it I cant get it I will get by, I guess I just want to know if it is even worth applying.

pickpocketlocket

You are right, WTC is not there to top up unlawful pay rates!

I don't know how much you would receive, but on that income you should receive some WTC.

BigAunty

That other forum was talking toss - it is illegal for employers to pay under the NMW.

Having said that, working tax credits for single claimants isn't that generous. Usually you could enter your salary information into the Turn2us online benefit calculator to see what WTC you may get but apparently it doesn't work for anyone in full time education.

I am not aware if full time students qualify for WTC - other forum members will know, I'd doubt it for single students without disabilities or dependents but I'm not 100% au fait with WTC - see the HMRC website.

What level is your course? Is it FE or HE? For some benefit claimants with access to a student bursary or loan, this income is included though some expenses are deducted from it. In the main, full time students without disabilities or dependents don't generally qualify for benefits.

supersaverkerry

It is FE - a 13.5 hour per week access course. Level 3.

As far as I know I can not get any bursary or student loan or anything, all that stuff seems to be only available to higher education students.