I shall start from the beginning - might help me understand this a little better!!
I had a baby with my partner July 2012(our first). At that time we were told we weren't entitled to tax credits of any kind, which I accepted not really understanding the whole system having never claimed anything ever before. Our household income for the end of April 11/12 was £28075.
Our income at the end of tax year 12/13 will be £24452. I explained this again to the tax credits help line as some family members thought it would be worth ringing them and explaining the drop in income and addition of a baby to the family. The tax credits help line said I would be entitled on this income and should get a form sent in ASAP so they could backdate it. (As the form would have 11/12 income on it I was advised to phone to update with 12/13 income) I sent in the form and waited for 3 weeks, I then phoned them with 12/13 income as advised and told to phone back in a few days to get another update.
I have just come off the phone to find out again we are entitled to diddly squat at the moment and there will be no backdating. We will get a one off payment in May of £40. I don't understand why it begins in May and not now.
I begin work in April after 9 months of SMP and our annual income will be £23903. My son is due to go to nursery which will be a real struggle financially.
I just don't know what to do, I can't see how we are going to afford to live?! I don't know where to start cutting costs, if anyone can help with any advice - not too harsh, don't think I can take it today!:eek:
I had a baby with my partner July 2012(our first). At that time we were told we weren't entitled to tax credits of any kind, which I accepted not really understanding the whole system having never claimed anything ever before. Our household income for the end of April 11/12 was £28075.
Our income at the end of tax year 12/13 will be £24452. I explained this again to the tax credits help line as some family members thought it would be worth ringing them and explaining the drop in income and addition of a baby to the family. The tax credits help line said I would be entitled on this income and should get a form sent in ASAP so they could backdate it. (As the form would have 11/12 income on it I was advised to phone to update with 12/13 income) I sent in the form and waited for 3 weeks, I then phoned them with 12/13 income as advised and told to phone back in a few days to get another update.
I have just come off the phone to find out again we are entitled to diddly squat at the moment and there will be no backdating. We will get a one off payment in May of £40. I don't understand why it begins in May and not now.
I begin work in April after 9 months of SMP and our annual income will be £23903. My son is due to go to nursery which will be a real struggle financially.
I just don't know what to do, I can't see how we are going to afford to live?! I don't know where to start cutting costs, if anyone can help with any advice - not too harsh, don't think I can take it today!:eek: