The emergency budget on 22 June set out several substantial changes to the tax credit system. Some are straightforward; others less so. Below, are those changes coming in from April 2011 under the following headings, explaining what each means and who might be affected: Increases in rates and thresholds Withdrawal rates Family element withdrawal rate The baby element Older workers Disregards ... VIEW POST
Tax Credit Changes from April 2011
Job Centres – Lone Parent Advisor Error
Being on income support as I was working under 16 hours and my youngest now ten, I was called into the Job Centre to update my details. The recent changes mean I can no longer be on income support, but this was no hardship as my work is getting busier and can now switch to being over 16hours a week. ... VIEW POST
Child and Tax Credits
The HM Revenue & Customs quote that 9 out of 10 families with children are entitled to tax credits. The basic requirement is looking after at least one child; you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work more than 16 hours and earn low wages then you may qualify for Tax Credits as well. How much you get depends on things like: ... VIEW POST
The HM Revenue & Customs quote that 9 out of 10 families with children are entitled to tax credits. The basic requirement is looking after at least one child; you may qualify for Child Tax
Child Maintenance
What is child maintenance? Child maintenance is regular, reliable financial support which helps towards a child's everyday living costs. The parent who does not have main day-to-day care of the child provides child maintenance to the parent who does. ... VIEW POST
What is child maintenance?
Child maintenance is regular, reliable financial support which helps towards a child’s everyday living costs. The parent who does not have main day-to-day care of the child provides child maintenance
Job Grant
Job grant is a one off tax free payment when you start work and stop getting benefits. You can claim Job Grant if you take up work and will be working at least 16 hours a week with the job expecting to last 5 weeks or more. You must have been claiming one of the following for at least 26 weeks before starting your new job: ... VIEW POST
Job grant is a one off tax free payment when you start work and stop getting benefits. You can claim Job Grant if you take up work and will be working  at least 16 hours
New Deal for Lone Parents
New Deal for Lone Parents is a voluntary Jobcentre Plus programme designed to help lone parents into work. It is for parents who don't currently work but also those who currently work less than 16 hours per week and would like to work more. It helps by providing training that may be needed to get a better job as well as improving interview skills and help writing CV's. It can also help financially with transport and child care cost whilst you look for employment and attend job interviews. They ... VIEW POST
New Deal for Lone Parents is a voluntary Jobcentre Plus programme designed to help lone parents into work. It is for parents who don’t currently work but also those who currently work less than 16