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Child Tax Credit
What is it?
You can apply for two tax credits, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit - payable from April 2003.
The general rule is that to qualify for tax credits you must be aged 16 or over and usually live in the United Kingdom.
Couples must make a joint tax credits application. If you are part of a couple, you cannot decide to apply as a single person.
Child Tax Credit is for people who are responsible for at least one child or qualifying young person. Child Tax Credit is paid if you work or not, and is paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children. If you are a lone parent you will receive the payment.
Working Tax Credit is for people who are employed or self-employed (either on their own or in a partnership), who usually work 16 hours or more a week, and expect to work for at least 4 weeks and who are aged 16 or over and responsible for at least one child, or aged 16 or over with no children but who are disabled, or aged 25 or over and usually work at least 30 hours a week or over 50 and starting work after claiming certain other benefits for over 26 weeks.
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 credits you receive will depend on your annual income.
Please check your entitlements here.
Other Help:
Guardian's Allowance
Maternity Allowance
Sure Start Maternity Grant
Widows Benefits
Income Support
Working Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Council Tax Benefit
