Not reporting unemployment in joint application for child tax crecit

TinaDaisina

I did not report to HMRC that I stopped working.we claim child tax credit jointly and he works full time but I was working 12 hours /week,which I stopped doing last August. I thought that him working full hours it won't matter that I stopped bug someone just told me that I should have reported and that we may have to end up repaying all the money. Is that true?I am so desperate right now and feel so stupid. I had to stop my work as we have 2 disabled children under 4 y old.

calcotti

Guidance on reporting changes is here https://www.gov.uk/changes-affect-tax-credits

It states
“Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) straight away if your:
....
working hours fall below 30 hours a week (combined if you’re in a couple with children)”

I think you will be OK, nonetheless I think it would be sensible to let HMRC know.

Alice_Holt

Do you claim DLA on behalf of your children?

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-benefits/disability-living-allowance

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/disability-living-allowance/

https://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/a-guide-to-benefits-for-disabled-children/


If so, have you looked at Carers Allowance:
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance


And the disabled child element of Child Tax Credits:
https://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/how-your-tax-credits-are-worked-out/
https://revenuebenefits.org.uk/tax-credits/guidance/how-do-tax-credits-work/understanding-disability/

TinaDaisina

Yes I did apply for all those. Our child tax credit award has the disability element.we have middle rate for DAL.and 2 months ago I applied to CA(lost almost 3 years by not claiming).yesterday got the award notice for .ca backdated. Called tax credit office to notify and they also asked if all other details were ok.i said that "yes"and after that realised that on my award we have stated that I work 12 hours/week,which I am not. Rang them again to update that and the person taking my call said I may have to repay money but said that they are not 100 sure and I have to wait for the new update award which should arrive within a week. The said to me over the phone that it should be ok since our claim is joint and my husband always works 40 +hours.but said to really wait for the award.
I am waiting but really scared.feel so silly now.

calcotti

TinaDaisina wrote: »

feel so silly now.

You're obviously juggling a lot so I don't think you need to feel silly about it. It seems to me that benefit claimants have to be more organised than people who not claiming to keep on top of everything!

I think your reduced hours shouldn't be a problem. More significant may be the fact that you no longer have the income from work which might mean that you have been underpaid tax credits this year (depending on how much your overall joint income has changed).

TinaDaisina

I am just going to wait now. Nothing else I can do.will update once will have the decision.
Thank you for replays.

zagfles

Don't panic, you have done nothing wrong, you will not have to replay anything, in fact if anything you'll get more money due to lower income. Since your OH works full time there is no obligation to tell them you've stopped working, since between you your working hours have not gone below 30.

See https://www.gov.uk/changes-affect-tax-credits

It's pretty scandalous that the helpline cause you this worry - they talk about problems with the new UC but tax credits have been around 16 years and they still can't get it right!

konark

I find it strange that you have to report a change of earnings to HMRC when under UC they are the ones who are supposed to know your earnings and inform the DWP.