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> Working and Child Tax Credits
Since April 2003, Disabled Person's Tax Credit has been replaced by the Working Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit for people with dependant children. Tax credits are dealt with by the Inland Revenue. Click here to go to their website.
Can you claim?
• If you are aged 16 or over
• You work on average 16 hours a week or more in paid work
• You expect to work for at least 4 weeks
and you are also
• responsible for at least one child
or
• disabled
or
• aged 25 or over and usually work at least 30 hours a week
Then you may be eligible for Working Tax Credit. You cannot receive Working Tax Credit if you are not working.
Couples
If you are part of a couple, you must apply jointly.
Working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours or more a week. If both of you are working 16 hours or more a week, you must choose which one of you will receive the benefit.
As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for help towards the costs of childcare. If you receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit, this will always be paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children, alongside payments of Child Tax Credit.
The amount of tax credit you receive will depend on your annual income.
There is a calculator on the Inland Revenue website to find out whether you are eligible for tax credit. You can access it here.
You can get Tax Credit if you are employed or self-employed.
How to claim
To apply for Tax Credit, get an application pack from Inland Revenue enquiry centres, your social security office, or Jobcentre.
You can apply on-line here
You can phone for more information on 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909.
If you receive Working Tax Credit, you may be entitled to free home insulation from npower - click the link to find out more.