Child tax credit + maternity

flutterbyuk25

Hi all,

I'm new to claiming any sort of benefits and getting confused about whether we qualify for any child tax credits at all (I'm thinking we won't as income is too high but want to check just in case).

Our complicated household currently consists of myself, OH and OH's two children. OH's children spend 4 nights per week with us, 3 with their mother. Currently OH and his ex each claim Child Benefit for one child, their mother currently claims CTC for both children as OH and I earn too much to claim for one child.

At end of July I am having a baby. So we have wondered if, as the thresholds will be higher, whether we would qualify for CTC with having 2 children in the household? But I think we will still be above the limit.

Earning for us:

Myself - after tax income 2014/15 £26000 per annum, 2015/16 £27000 pa, and for 2016/17 I will earn approx £7400 for April til mid Aug, then £139 per week for rest of tax year whilst on maternity leave

OH - 2014/15 he was a student until Jan 2015 so only earned Feb - April approx £3300, 2015/16 £26000pa, 2016/17 will be £28000.

If anyone would be so kind as to give me an idea I'd be grateful!

Also, what happens with Child Benefit? Do I need to claim for my (our) baby in my name for national insurance purposes? But as OH already claims for one does it need to be him who claims it? I presume we will get the 2nd child rate for new baby?

Thanks in advance

Darksparkle

The limit for claiming for 2 children is approx £33,000 (unless disabilities or childcare)

You'll get the rate for a second child for child benefit. Not sure how claiming would work in your situation but I'm sure they'd tell you.

flutterbyuk25

Thanks Darksparkle, I thought that was the limit but have seen conflicting info online.

I'll ring CB when I have a day off to find out.