Okay I have been having a browse around regarding the tax credits etc and I am sooo confused! I have never claimed anything in my life and dunno where to start. Someone said I should apply for the Sure Start Maternity Grant, I know we won't get it, me and OH both work full time and I will be returning to work part time but suppose no harm in trying.

Looking on the tax credit site, I dunno what the heck I am doing. Tried doing the calculater thingy and its asking if we have any dependants are childcare, well obviously technically not yet but we will have dependants in Sept?

We are going to look round a nursery this week, but we aren't considerinf FT childcare, maybe just one day a week as we are exceedingly lucky that my parents and OH are fighting to look after baby when I go back to work LOL

GAH, its a nightmare and I loathe dealing with money etc but since we have bills, mortgage etc I am a wanting things sorted asap so not worrying when baby is here and can just relax and not worry bout money etc

Anyone got any ideas/suggestions/hints/tips......anything......?

Caz and 29 wks & 2 day Flump

xxxx

apply for the tax credits when bubs is born doesn;t matter if you don;t htink your entitled it can;t hurt to try they will give you the forms in a bounty pack on the hospital ward along with family allowance when you actually have the baby. sure start maternity grant you won;t be entitled to unless your on income support or disability UNTIL you recieve tax credits so if you apply for the tax credits then the sure start grant as well * there is a bit on the form saying that you are awaiting a decision from the tax credits* so long as its 3 months after bubs is born sorry if that sounds confusing xx

just to say with regards to the mat grant u can apply for it up to 3mnths after baby is born and it dont matter that ur working i know a few people that have had it and been working all the best leanne

How are you doing?

Sorry im going to be no help whatsoever lol, me and OH are in the same boat as you. We have both always worked full time.

Anyhow a friend of ours has said if we go to Citizens Advice then they will be able to tell us what we are entitled to and how to go about claiming them. We were going to make an appointment next week and see what they say.

Dont know whether that would be worth you both doing?

Tc, Lu & 29+1wk blue piglet
xx

HI,

My husband and I are the same as you - but according to this info I recieved we may be entitled to child tax credits!

I have rang the number today and they are sending out a pack to send back after the baby is born. Don't know how much we would be entitled to but it will all help.

Hope the following helps - I copied and pasted it from the email I recieved from Bounty.

Katy and 34+2 bean xx


1. Tax Credits
Tax credits are flexible and adapt to life's changes, like becoming a mum. When you have your baby you could be entitled to money from tax credits and if you already receive them, you could be entitled to more.

To find out what you're entitled to call 0845 300 3900.

Key facts:

If you are responsible for any child under 1 year old and your household income is less than £65,965 per year, you could receive tax credit.
And even when your children reach their first birthdays, if your household income is less than £57,785, you could continue to receive tax credit.
The extra income will be paid directly to the person who is mainly responsible for your new child.
If you plan to return to work once you've had your baby or after maternity leave you could also get help with your childcare costs through tax credit.
HM Revenue & Customs want to make sure you receive what you are entitled to so please keep us informed of any changes in your circumstances which could affect the amount you receive.
For more information and further details on eligibility click here or call 0845 300 3900.

2. Child Benefit
Child Benefit helps with the costs of bringing up children and is paid in addition to any tax credit you may receive. It is paid for each child and is not affected by income or savings. Don't forget to claim as soon as your baby is born as Child Benefit can only be backdated for 3 months.

To apply or for more information click here or call 0845 302 1444 if you live in Great Britain and 0845 603 2000 if you live in Northern Ireland.

After the mention of Sure start maternity grants I found this. It may be of help

Katy xx


http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/Work-ingAgeBenefits/Dev_013950.xml.html