Nine out of ten families with children can get tax credits, but you don’t need children to qualify for Working Tax Credit.
Working Tax Credit is designed to help people on low incomes whether they are employed or self-employed and can include support for qualifying childcare.
Extra help is available for people working 30 or more hours per week, people with a disability, or people over 50 who recently returned to work after a period on benefit.
How much will you get?
The amount you receive depends on various things, including your annual income.
How to find out if you qualify
To claim Working Tax Credit, you have to be aged 16 or over, and work for 16 hours or more a week.
Usually you have to live in the UK, but you may still qualify if you live somewhere else.
Tax Credits are based on your household circumstances, so you need to provide information relating to the different elements that make up the allowance, including:
- your earnings and the average number of hours you work a week
- your partner’s earnings (if you have one) and their average hours of work
- any benefits you may be claiming
- the number and ages of children in your family
- the amount you spend each week on childcare
To find out if you qualify, simply complete the online questionnaire on the Inland Revenue website.
www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Qualify/DIQHousehold.aspx
You will automatically be assessed for Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit at the same time and the result of the questionnaire will also provide you with an estimate of how much you may be entitled to.
How to claim
You can apply online on the Inland Revenue Tax Credits website.
www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/Apply/ApplyInitAdvice.aspx
Alternatively, you can get an application form from the Tax Credits helpline on 0845 3003 900.
What to do if you have problems or complaints
You can get a leaflet about the complaints procedure from the Tax Credits helpline on 0845 3003 900.
More useful links
If you’re already receiving Working Tax Credit it is very important to let the Inland Revenue know if your family or income circumstances change, so that you get paid the correct amount.
Tax Credits helpline: 0845 3003 900 (Textphone 0845 3003 909)
The Tax Credits helpline is open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday).
