What are tax credits?

Tax credits are payments from the government. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. You can often get both types of tax credits. They are not taxable.

How much do you get?

The amount of tax credits you get depends on things like:

• How many children you have living with you
• If you live with someone as a couple
• Whether you work - and how many hours you work
• If you pay for childcare
• If you or any child living with you has a disability
• If you're aged 50 or over and are coming off benefits

Your payments also depend on your income. The lower your income, the more tax credits you can get.

You have a disability - can you get extra Working Tax Credit?

If you or your partner has a disability and usually work 16 hours or more a week, you may be able to get extra Working Tax Credit.

Extra payments if you have a disability

To qualify for extra payments, you have to meet all of these conditions:

• You must be working for 16 hours or more a week
• You must have a disability that makes it difficult for you to get a job
• You must be receiving, or have recently received, a qualifying sickness or disability-related benefit

If you're not sure if you qualify, you can check the Disability Help Sheet by following the link below - this explains all the conditions you need to meet to qualify for the extra payments: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/tc956.pdf

Or call the Tax Credit Helpline

Tax Credits Helpline:

For general information about tax credits

Opening hours:

8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday
8.00 am to 4.00 pm Saturday
Closed Sundays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day

Tel: 0845 300 3900

For customers who are deaf or hearing or speech impaired:
Tel: 0845 300 3909 (Textphone)

Written enquiries:

Tax Credit Office
Preston
PR1 0SB

For further details: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/index.htm