low income

[trulli]

How much do the benefits agency class as 'a low income' I am trying to work what I might be entitled to. Is there a calculation or something?

[jedimistress]

Is it tax credits you are applying for?

[trulli]

I'm on maternity leave and hoping not to return to work. I was seeing if I could get help with my rent and council tax but it just says you can claim if you are on a low income.

[themas]

Go to www.entitledto.co.uk and enter your details. If you are a single parent not working and with little savings you should get Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support. If you have a working partner or any income of your own any benefits will take that into account.

[patc7641]

If you are a lone parent, you may get assistance wih benefits through your jobcentre. If you have a partner this is unlikely but you msy be able to claim working tax credit

[trulli]

Thanks. I am married with 3 kids and hubby earns about 14k so seems I can only get tax credits.

[themas]

Is the �14K gross or net? If it is gross (i.e. before tax & NI are deducted) then you could well be entitled to Housing Benefit unless your rent is very low, and you might be entitled if it is net & your rent is higher. Anyway, it would do no harm to put in a claim to your local council.

Any tax credits you claim now will be based on the joint income of you and your husband for 04-05 tax year. If your joint 05-06 income will be lower you can tell the Tax Credit Helpline after you get the award notice and the credit will be re-calculated. If you have been working until recently and don't intend to work in the 06-07 tax year then your estimated income for 06-07 will probably be less than 05-06. If that is the case then after 5 April 06 you can give them an estimated 06-07 income and the award will be re-calcuated based on that. But be very careful about the figures you give and notify them of any changes - otherwise it is easy to build up an overpayment.

[trulli]

thanks for that. Yes it is gross.