No tax credits award

catroe

Hi all

I am a single parent working full time and last year my son was entitled to free school meals, I also get help with child care costs (after school).
I received my tax credits renewal and filled it out and returned it, they wrote to me in July looking for receipts for child care payments etc which I completed and returned within the required time frame. As yet I haven't received my tax credit award which I require to claim the free school meals. I called them last week and they have said it could be the 22nd Oct (up to 12 weeks) before I receive the award notice, I've been paying £2.40 per day for school dinners and am seriously finding it a struggle to keep on top of it financially.
Has anyone any previous experience of this or any ideas how I could try to speed it up?
Many thanks
Cat

catroe

Thanks for the reply blonde bubbles, I get child tax credit as my salary is only £13500.
Looks like I just need to wait

tallybee

I hope it's not too long to wait. In the meantime I know it's extra to do but packed lunches work out loads cheaper than dinners

lorelai34

Blondebubbles I think that link only applies to England and Wales. Poster might be elsewhere. Don't think you can speed it up as helpline probably won't be able to escalate it any higher until after their official deadline has passed.

poppy12345

If you claim working tax credit then you wouldn't be entitled to free school meals.

catroe

Apologies, I am in Northern Ireland, I called them too but they won't do anything until they receive the award notice, looks like I'll have to wait it out.
Thanks all for the replies