Money from the taxman

What it’s worth

It depends on how much you earned during the tax year before you apply, how many children you have, how old they are, and whether you pay for registered childcare. If your joint income changes once you’ve applied – perhaps due to maternity leave – you should contact HMRC on the Tax Credits Helpline to tell them. The basic element of £1,800 a year (for 2008/09) is paid to everyone who is entitled to receive Working Tax Credit. All other elements depend on your household income and circumstances.

The good news is that any Child Benefit, Maternity Allowance or the first £100 a week of any Statutory Maternity, Paternity or Adoption Pay you are receiving is not taken into account when HMRC works out your family income. Any child maintenance you receive is also left out, which means you won’t have to fill in forms for the Child Support Agency, as you do with some other benefits.