WTC and HB/CTB claim advice

SMGSHO28

Hey everyone,

Long time lurker but first time poster on here, after a bit of advice really.

I have just finished the 2nd year of a degree as a mature student, I say finished when I really mean that 1/3 of it I could not complete because of ill health. I have been told by the university that I can take these exams next year but only as an external candidate and for the next 14 months I will not be a student.

I have been self-emplyed working for 82ask for a few months to supplement my student loan and plan to do this full time for the next year to keep me alive as it were. I am 28 years old and in 2 weeks' time I will go full time in this self-employed position, probably putting in around 35 hours a week.

I think I am right in thinking that when I go FT I will be able to claim WTC as I will work over 30 hours a week; will the HMRC just want an estimate of what I will earn up to end of tax year? My income last year was 5500 from student loans/grants but I understand that this does not count for their assessment. Income can vary in my job so that could be difficult...I don't want to claim more than I am entitled to and don't want to be in a situation where I have to pay money back.

I will probably make about 6k gross up 'til the end of the tax year so will I be able to get HB and CTB too?

dmg24

If you are going to earn so little, why not get a job for the year out?

SMGSHO28

dmg24 wrote: »

If you are going to earn so little, why not get a job for the year out?

Various personal reasons including ill health which means I need flexible work hours.

dmg24

Some employers do flexible hours too!

I would recommend contacting Remploy. They can put you in touch with employers who can work with you taking into account your circumstances.

Even if you are employed on a nil hours contract and just work as and when you can you are likely to earn more than £6000.