Argh, Tax Credits ...Confused!

[Dream.A.Dream]

I'm trying to do a budget for when I'm on maternity leave. I'm so stuck on how to work these out. All of the online calculators want to work it out based on income from 2008/2009. I didn't work that year as I was a student so this obviously isn't going to give me accurate answers

I tried doing it just based on what I get paid this year (£15,150pa), but I don't see how that can give an accurate figure either, as when I'm on maternity leave I will be getting £120pw, and for tax credits purposes they ignore the first £100.

So according to them my income on maternity leave will be 33 (weeks) x 20= £660.

OH will be earning £18000 throughout.

Can anyone help? I'm soooo confused. Will I just get the basic family element?

 

[sparkswillfly]

I think the best thing to do would be to ring them on monday. They are really helpful on the phone.

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

It's all so complicated. I need to work it out asap really as seen a house that looks gorgeous but its more rent than we wanted to pay so need to work it out if can be afforded when on maternity xx

 

[LuckySalem]

Use the figure from what you're going to earn this year if you worked all year.

That way when they give you more (which they will cos of maternity leave) its a plus.

 

[Poaitive]

Hey,

Just to let you know TC helpline is open 7 days a week 8am til 8pm so call even at the weekend.

Also, tax credits is based on your previous years income unless your currentl year income is lower or more than 25000.00 higher. therefore if you were a student 08/09 and your joint income was lower this figure will be used in the calculation unless 09/10 is going to be more than 25000.00 higher than last year.

Hope that makes sense

 

[Seraphim]

Hey,

I found that although they'll send you the forms out etc - they don't tell you how it all adds up and what you can expect. So I had a little look around and found some more details, which you can find in this thread to work out your own.

HTH

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

Thanks everyone xx

 

[Abz1982]

When I called up the guy said that in order for them to be able to send me the form I HAD to do a calculation then based on wither accurate figures if I had them, or estimates. The they tell you what you might get.