Child Tax Credit Payment

[tiggerblue10]

I checked my bank statement this morning and found a payment of £30.60 added to my account as Child Tax Credit. I haven't claimed CTCs since Little Tiggs finished nursery. I usually complete the online tax review I get every year and have received another one to be completed by 31/7 so I don't understand why this payment has been made.

Anyone with any ideas or will I have to call them to find out?

[bednobs]

i would wait till the post next week. When dealing with benefits, I have often found they are in the account in advance of the letter telling me theyre going in the account

[tiggerblue10]

Just gone onto the Gov website to complete the review and its now telling me that I'm getting a further £27 in June!

Anyway, they've got a live chat facility so querying with them right now.

[tiggerblue10]

Ok, so it turns out that there has been an increase to tax credits this year which is why I have started receiving payments.

Anyway, I've got a transcript of the chat in case they recall the funds paid to me.

[bednobs]

I bet you get a letter about it next week

[tiggerblue10]

Will wait, cheers Bednobs.

I got the renewal papers this week dated 12 May so the online renewal. The first payment was made this week as well.

[MartinMillar]

If you were not expecting it try and tuck it away just in case

[tiggerblue10]

Yep, definitely doing that Martin. I wasn't expecting it and I explained to the person on the chat that I work full-time and haven't claimed since he finished at a fee paying nursery over 6 years ago.

Tbh I don't know how tax credits work but I didn't think I qualified any longer.

[ParsleyDumpling]

I had the exact same thing happen. I haven't claimed since my son started secondary school (he is now in sixth form college). I was above the threshold on income, but last year my husband had his PIP care allowance moved to top tier (he is on top tier mobility already). Payments started to go into my account, so I rang them and they explained that because of husband getting top tier care, I was entitled to the payments. Fast forward to this year, and low and behold, I owe about £500 and am not entitled to Tax Credits because of my income. I rang them this week and they said once you claim you are always in the system, and if your circumstances change Tax Credits entitlement will be reviewed (even if you weren't claiming, as in my case), and will be awarded accordingly. I pointed out this was a bit silly as I knew I was earning more than allowed. Upshot is I have to pay back the money (half expected that anyway), but I have asked to be opted out of Tax Credits so it doesn't happen again. As MartinMillar advises, I would put the money to one side, chances are you will need to repay it at the end of this financial year.

[tiggerblue10]

My circumstances haven't changed since my son started primary school and I think I earn above the threshold - not sure what that is. I am a single parent though but I don't know if that makes any difference.

[bednobs]

Perhaps the other parent has told them he's going to stop paying or something? Has he or you been furloughed?

[tiggerblue10]

He applied for universal credit when he stopped working mid March. He's on benefits now. Don't remember giving his details when I originally applied years ago. Obviously must've done.

[bednobs]

does he pay child support usually?

[tiggerblue10]

Yes, it's just a private arrangement though. Not through CSA.