Skip to site navigation

Accessibility Options

Font size

Colour scheme

Child Tax Credit

 
Child Tax Credit (CTC) is paid to support families with children. You do not need to be working to claim.

You may also get Working Tax Credit (WTC) if you or your partner are working for 16 or more hours a week.

Who can claim?

You can claim CTC if you:

  • are aged 16 or over, and
  • have at least one dependent child (under 16), or
  • are responsible for a young person aged 16 to under 20 who is in full-time education or unwaged training (see Children over 16 for details on benefits for this age group).
CTC will stop automatically on the first September after your child’s 16th birthday. So remember to tell HM Revenue and Customs before 1 September if your child will be remaining in full-time education.

What you get

How much you get depends on your yearly taxable income (after deductions) and your family circumstances.

You get more if a child is disabled or aged under one.

CTC is paid to the main carer of the children (usually the mother) and is awarded for up to 12 months. Claims can be backdated for three month, so remember to ask for this.

If your circumstances change

To avoid being overpaid Tax Credits, there are some changes of circumstance which you have to tell HM Revenue and Customs about. You must do this within one month of the date of the change.

You should also check that the payments which are paid into your bank account match the amount shown on your award notice. Any inconsistencies should be reported to HM Revenue and Customs.

How to claim

If you are on Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and are still receiving additions for your children, there is no need to claim Child Tax Credit - you will be transferred onto the new system at a future date.

If are not on Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and you want to claim Child Tax Credit, call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900.

They can tell you how much you could get and send you a form. You can also visit the HM Revenue and Customs website to claim online.

Textphone users should call 0845 300 3909.

More information

For further information you can download the Tax Credits booklet, the Benefits for children at school leaflet, or contact us using the number on the right or our online enquiry form.

A to Z of Services