Question:
Is entitledto accurate for Tax Credits? I only ask because I need to know how much money I'll have coming in when I drop to 16 hours per week in September to start my degree. I know I looked at it previously and it told me I was entitled to loads of Housing Benefit which apparently, I'm not.
Also, is it true that I will not be liable to pay Council Tax as a student if I live alone (with my 2 year old daughter)? The local Council said yes but I want to make sure that that is right because she didn't seem to definite.
Thanks
Kate x
Answers:
I don't know about the first question, I'm afraid, but as regards Council Tax: if you are a full-time student, you are exempt from Council Tax. The college should give you a certificate thing to prove it, if you ask them (that was certainly the case when I worked in a Uni. a few years ago).
Answers:
Thanks msmicawber. Do you know if it is definitely the case if the accommodation is not 'student' accommodation i.e. just a normal privately rented house occupied by one person?
Answers:
Yes - it doesn't matter where you live, you're still entitled. (Most Universities don't have sufficient student accommodation for all their students, especially not those with children who can't live in Halls of Residence or bedits, anyway.)
Answers:
Great thanks. That saves me a bit at least! I'll call the Uni and ask them for the exemption certificate.
Answers:
The entitled to website is really good for giving you a rough idea of how much you would get but it can't help for unusual circumstances ie students.
Are you going to be studying full time? If you are then you would be entitled to CTC and WTC based on your 16 hours income - your student grants and loans aren't taken into account for tax credits.
You should also get full exemption from council tax.
You can claim childcare through tax credits or through your Local Authority - LA gives up to 85% so try and go that route if possible.
For Housing benefit its slightly different. They take into account your student income, your tax credits and your maintenance so you should be prepared to get little if any help with your rent.
This changes in the summer break though as your student income doesnt cover this period. When you finish the year you can re-apply for HB based on just your earnings and tax credits (plus maintenance if you receive any).
Of course, if you're a part time student scrap the above!! HTH