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Tax credits

 
Tax credits provide a system of support for families and people in full-time, low paid work.

If you or your partner are in low paid work for at least 16 hours a week you may get Working Tax Credit. You do not need to have children to qualify.

If you have children under 20, you may be able to claim Child Tax Credit. You can claim this whether you work or not. Nine in ten parents can get Child Tax Credit - don't miss out!

If you claim Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA), you must claim Child Tax Credit for your children. Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and income-related Employment and Support Allowance only includes money for adults.

If you already get Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and still receive additions for your children, you do not have to claim Child Tax Credit - you will automatically be transferred onto the new system at a future date.

Facing redundancy or reduced salary

If you are worried that your income may decrease later in the year, you can contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make an early claim for tax credits.

Claiming early can protect your entitlement and ensure that you get the money you are entitled too, should you lose salary.

You may claim early even if you think your income is too high to get tax credits at the moment.

Call HMRC on 0845 300 3900 (textphone: 0845 300 3909).

Tax credit renewal

Most tax credit claims have to be renewed by contacting HM Revenues and Customs and providing up-to-date information.

Overpaid tax credits?

If HM Revenue and Customs paid you too much tax credit last year, the amount will usually be recovered by reducing your award this year.

Further information

You can contact our Welfare Rights Service for advice on tax credits.

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