Benefits query

starbuck

I don't think this is the right forum but I'm not sure where else to ask. 
We've had a slight increase in our child tax credits, pip and carer 's allowance. do i need to ring the dwp to tell them of the increases as i claim income support? my is has gone down slightly this week so I'm guessing that's because of the increase in ca but I wonder if I need to phone and check ( though I really don't want to unless I have to as talking to them really sets off my anxiety ?)

[Deleted User]

I'm not 100% sure but I think the DWP will adjust your claim accordingly, my Son had a rise in his carers and they adjusted his Income Support without him calling, in fact, they sent him a letter to let him know.

Ami2301

Hi @starbuck I have found the following information which may help you

Child Benefit payments are not affected by any tax credits you get, but other benefits like Housing Benefit are.

If you get tax credits, you may get less:

• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit

Waylay

Is this because of the uprating that happens in April?

starbuck

Waylay, does that mean a normal increase in money, if so yes. I haven't changed anything on any of my claims.

Waylay

Hi there, Yeah, they put up the rates of some benefits every April (not usually very much). The DWP should know, as they run these benefits.

starbuck

Will they know about the child tax credits increase as they're paid by HMRC? I really don't want to have to phone them unless absolutely necessary ?

Ami2301

You should receive a letter to state that any payment has lowered or increased :.

poppy123456

As you're claiming Income support then you will be claiming the maximum amount of tax credits. Your child tax credits is money for your children and your income support is money for you. Tax credits won't affect the amount of Income Support you're entitled to.

I had a slight increase in my tax credits, including a small one of payment and neither of them will affect the amount of ESA i claim.

starbuck

So I won't need to ring them then? 

poppy123456

Absolutely not no because it doesn't affect your income support at all.

starbuck

Thankyou