Tax credits, maternity change in income really need help pls

[Amour]

Hi everyone

By going through these threads it seems TCs are a wonder to a lot of ppl.

I started claiming TCs for the first time after returning to work from maternity leave. I used my previous year income which was whilst I was on maternity leave and i have been receiving TCs from that income. However I'm now worried now I'm receiving more money I'm being overpaid, and will have to repay or is this how it's suppose to work you get paid for last years income. I don't want to change i/ update things if I don't need to, as I'm really struggling financially after splitting with baby's dad and he isn't helping out at all financially. But obviously do not want to be in trouble or in breach of my entitlement.

Please help

 

[Rags]

Hello. Tell them as soon as you can. It may be that what you get doesn't change that much because of the change in your circumstances but even if it does and you end up needing to pay some back they will normally work it out over an extended period of time to avoid causing hardship. If you call the help line they will talk you through everything and can make the changes for you at the same time.
My advice for the future is always to update as soon as it looks as though your income will be different from the previous year, either up or down. Also if the number of hours you work changes as once you start working 30 hours or more you receive additional amounts. Good luck