Questions on Tax credit claim

[dikey2809]

Hi,
I have ILR, my daughter holds british passport, and my wife is on dependant/Spouse visa.
I was planning to apply for Tax credit. the tax year 2011 and 2012 I have had high income of 38,000 and also I didnt had ILR so was not able to claim.
This year my income has reduce because of the job hours. I have checked on the tax credit calculator and was eligible for some tax credit. Due to this I requested a form and filled it, but the form asks details for tax year 2011/12.
So I attached a seperate letter with the application form stating my income for the year 2012/13, which makes me eligible for tax credit.
I applied in November and I have received another form from HMRC to fill in. Requesting more details about my immigration status, when I entered the courntry, whether I am working and how much is my current income, same for my wife and my daughter.
Can some one guide me what is this form about and what is the enquiry.

[wiggsy]

you will be paid on the basis of last TAX years earnings. (april to april)

2013/14 = 2012-2013
14/15 = 13/14
15/16=14/15 (if it is around this long obviously)

unfortunately, this will mean your on a lower income than you would normally be on... but on next years claim, you might get additional payments based on the low payments and low income this year...
(ie: underpayment due to using previous years income)

housing benefit etc can still be claimed by you if your on a low income - but note: it could mean that your wife is deemed as "in reciept" of public funds as it must be a joint claim...

ENSURE that you make the HB office aware that you DO NOT want to claim council tax benefit (any way you claim CTAX BEN will mean public funds for wife) and that your wife has no recourse ETC (ensure you get a reply from them confirming you letting them know...)

but: further on... tax credits: the calculation is as it is...

this year our monthly (4 weekly) payment is only 80... due to my high hours etc last year (60 hours a week)...
this year my hours reduced to 36, due to health etc i physically couldnt do any more (even this "kills me") but next year, on my estimated income, my tax credits will turn to near enough 400 4 weekly.

note: tax credits will be replaced by universal credits soon... and im unsure on how "elegibiility" will be assessed etc - as currently only tax credits / cb make exceptions for no recourse status on basis of partners status...

whilst you should claim if you can claim... dont rely on the money, as it could be taken away from you (like any other benefit...) it is wiser to rely on the money you earn yourself.
(and i hope this doesnt come across wrong... just with the pending changes etc )