Tax credits can be very complicated, but Working Tax Credit can boost your income if you don’t earn much money. Dad Info walks you through the maze.
Working Tax Credit is available for people who don’t earn much, and is designed to make working pay better than receiving benefits alone. It’s calculated according to your specific circumstances, so it’s hard to predict how much you could receive – you just have to apply and see.
Financial help from the UK Government
Who is eligible?
To claim Working Tax Credit, you normally need to be 25 or over and working at least 30 hours a week, but if you’re a parent, you have to be over 16 and working over 16 hours a week.
How much?
Working Tax Credit is calculated by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and depends on your circumstances and income, so it’s not possible to say exactly how much you’ll get – you just need to apply and see. The tax credit is made up of different elements – details of which can be found on the Direct Gov Website.
How do I claim?
You’ll need to fill out a claim form and send it in by post. You can order a claim pack over the phone by calling the helpline on 0845 300 3900 , textphone 0845 300 3909 .
What if I’m separated?
As with other benefits and tax credits, the Government system only recognises one parent if they have separated. The resident parent may be decided by the courts, or by yourselves – generally, it is whoever the child stays overnight with more – even if that’s just four nights out of seven each week. The resident parent receives Child Benefit, and it is generally the recipient of Child Benefit who is eligible for child-related tax credits.
If you’re not the resident parent but still have a low income, you may apply for Working Tax Credit if you are over 25 and work more than 30 hours a week – you are, in effect, treated as a single person.
