Why have i received less Child tax credit????

fanofmartin_2

In March I received the amount of childcare tax credit I was told I would get each month, then from April I have received considerably less. I have only realised this today - not sure why, as I'm really good at keeping an eye on my bank account. Things have bean a bit tight the last couple of months, now I can see why! I spoke the helpline today and they said it could be down to renewing, but I only did that today. Nothing has changed apart from childcare going up.

I haven't received a letter from them or anything. Can anyone explain or has it happened to them? Thanks

penguin83

How old is your child?

CTC drops after their 1st birthday x x

Elle00

fanofmartin wrote: »

In March I received the amount of childcare tax credit I was told I would get each month, then from April I have received considerably less. I have only realised this today - not sure why, as I'm really good at keeping an eye on my bank account. Things have bean a bit tight the last couple of months, now I can see why! I spoke the helpline today and they said it could be down to renewing, but I only did that today. Nothing has changed apart from childcare going up.

I haven't received a letter from them or anything. Can anyone explain or has it happened to them? Thanks

I know this isn't exactly a helpful thing for me to post, but my payments have been all over the shop since March. I've had all kinds of silly amounts going in. Now it's settled down to a reduced rate because they overpaid me considerably last year.

Have you checked your recent award letter for this year to see what it says you should be getting?

fanofmartin_2

the 2 children are school age,

The amount for this year's award hasn't been decided as I only completed the renewal today. I have received a certain amount every month from last april then suddenly, April, may and June this year has been nearly £200 a month less. I haven't been told of an overpayment or anything.

SuziQ

You would normally have recieved your renewall pack in April,didn't you get one then? Also be aware that you have to return certain forms pertaining to last year by a cetain date in July-don't fall foul of that one,as they can demand repayment of what you were paid last year. I fell foul of this 2 years ago,even though I did return the declaration.Now I always phone to check they have recieved any documentation I send in.

stars_bright

The same thing has happened to us. In April, before we had sent in the renewal pack, our WTC was cut to zero. We phoned up and were told that they assumed our pay had gone up! When we asked how long it would take to work out the correct payment they said they couldn't tell us. Now they have told us that we no longer qualify for WTC because of our income - even though it has only gone up a tiny amount and w were getting quite a lot of WTC. I suspect they have cut down what they are paying this year.

[Deleted User]

How much was the household income in 2006/07? Was the 2007/08 higher by any chance? Your award is based on the previous year's income. The new tax year started in April so they would have based your award on the estimate you would have given.
As you have only just completed your renewal today you may see an increase as long as the final figures given are similar to the estimate your award was based on.
When you complete your renewal you are awarded the new 2008/09 rates of tax credits - it has gone up by around £5 per child p/w.

fanofmartin_2

Thanks for your replies. So it could be the differebce between 06/07 and 07/08. Hopefully i'll get some clarification when the new award is sent to me, the loss of money has made a lot of difference

fanofmartin_2

Actually, just thinking again. Why has it changed when the estimated income was given last April, it hasn't changed, so surely I was awarded for the year??

[Deleted User]

You would have give an estimated income for the year 07/08 when you called but your award wouldnt be based on that figure until 6th April 2008 when the new tax year started. Although you give an estimate for the current year, your award is based on the previous year. That way as soon as it reaches 6th April they will base your award on the estimate until you have completed your annual renewal declaration.