Any benefits experts who can offer advice please?

[elephant29]

Hi,

I'm relatively new to the boards but just wondered if there where any benefits experts out there that could maybe give me an idea of what I am entitled to, if anything?

I work full time and earn 21500 per year, oh works full time earning 19000 per year. At the moment we dont claim any benefits. This is out first child so I am at a complete loss as to what we can get. Our wage appears quite good on paper but as you all probably now the reality is a lot different and with a baby coming I want to make sure that I am getting what I am able to.

Can anyone help and tell me what I can claim for and really when I should start making these claims (was adv. that couldnt get child benefits until after baby is born and registered as need to send in a birth certificate).

Thanks in advance!

xxx

 

[kglo]

Once baby is born you can claim Working child tax credits on an income upto £55,000 per year. If you use childcare once you return to work you will get a little extra help from them also.

Child Benefit once Baby is born.

Before baby is born, at 25 weeks preg you can claim Health in Pregnancy Grant of £190.00, ask your midwife for the signed form.

You can get free prescriptions and Dentist treatment from now until baby is 1 year.

 

[elephant29]

Thanks a million for replying!! I had no idea I would get help towards child care so thanks for that!

xxx

 

[littleblonde]

It depends on how much you earn as to weather you get help with childcare so dont rely on it. I have read a lot of threads on here about it and it seems that some people get help and others dont. You get child benefit once baby is here which is £20 a week. Some peoiple get tax credits. When i chcecked for mine and my oh incomes. He earns £19000 and i earn £13000 all we got was child benefit and about £40 A month tax credits and no working tax credit. You will get £190 health in pregnancy grant.

 

[Celesse]

While your on maternity leave your income will be lower, so your tax credit entitlement will be higher. Whilst you are receiving SMP the first £100 a week is not counted whilst calculating tax credits. Tax credits are based on the previous years earnings unless there has been a reduction in your income, in which case they can go off an estimate you provide.

Which means, the tax years in which you are on mat leave you will receive more tax credits and carry that on to the next tax year.