Tax credits

HOW TO CLAIM TAX CREDITS:
You can check your eligibility for Tax Credits and make a claim. The Tax Credit Helpline can give you more information. You can call them on 0845 300 3900, or Textphone 0845 300 3909. Lines are open from 8.00am to 8.00pm seven days a week and calls are charged at local rate.

You can also get a Tax Credit claim form and advice on eligibility locally from:
• Inland Revenue Tax Enquiry Centres
• Job Centres
• Post Offices
• Department of Work and Pensions
• Citizens Advice Bureau

OTHER INFORMATION:
• Maintenance payments will not be taken into account in the calculation of your income when Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are calculated. This means that if you are in receipt of maintenance you will be able to keep it in addition to your Working Tax Credit.
• Child Benefit will continue to be paid and is not affected by Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
• All credits will be based on annual income for the proceeding tax year, however, the increase or decrease in annual earnings of up to £2,500 will not affect the award.
• Childcare providers will not need to endorse the childcare element, however all claims for childcare will be checked with the provider by the Inland Revenue.
• People with disabilities can receive a higher rate of Working Tax Credit.
• People aged 50 or over, returning to work for at least 16 hours per week after time spent on qualifying out of work benefits can receive a higher rate of Working Tax Credit.
• Annual reviews will adjust claims if necessary for the following year.

DOWNLOADS
A leaflet entitled 'A Guide to Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit - Parent Factsheet' can be downloaded from http://www.cmb.org.uk