Child Tax Credit is designed to assist with the costs of bringing up children. You do not have to be in work to claim Child Tax Credit which is paid directly to the main carer and it does not affect your Child Benefit. All parents with one or more children under 16 (or under 19 if in full time education either at school or college) and with a gross family income of less than £58,000 per annum are entitled to some Child Tax Credit. All parents with a child under 1 and a gross family income of up to £66,000 are entitled to some Child Tax Credit.
Please note:
These figures will change in April 2011 and you will be unlikely to get Tax Credits if your income is over £40,000 per annum.
Child Tax Credit consists of a number of elements. The maximum value of each element (2010 to 2011 tax year) is listed below however the amount you get depends on your income.
- Family Element - paid because you have one or more children - up to £10.48 per week (£545 per annum)
- Baby Element - paid if you have a child under 1 year - up to £10.48 per week (£545 per annum)
- Child Element - paid for each child in your family - up to £44.23 per week (£2,300 per annum)
- Disabled Child Element - paid if you have a child who receives Disability Living Allowance up to £52.21 per week (£2,715 per annum)
- Severely Disabled Child Element - paid if you have a child who receives the higher element of Disability Living Allowance - up to £21.05 per week (£1,095 per annum)
Please note:
From April 2011 the Baby Element will no longer exist.
How do I apply?
For an application form:
- phone the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 (textphone 0845 300 3909). Lines are open from 8am - 8pm seven days a week
- Some parents may gain by having their Tax Credit entitlement calculated on their income in the current tax year (as opposed to the last complete tax year). You must ask by phone or letter if you would like this calculation.
What if my circumstances change?
You must inform the Tax Credit Helpline (0845 300 3900) if:
- the number of children in your household changes;
- one of your children leave school;
- your income changes;
- you were claiming as a lone parent and become part of a couple;
- you were claiming as part of a couple and became a lone parent.
Family Finance Estimates
The Family Information Service (FIS) at ask is able to give estimates of Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit over the phone.
To do this we use a web based facility. Personal information (details of income, age etc.) is needed to give an estimate. Although we ask for callers’ names and contact details to record enquiries, no information that could identify an individual is entered on the website. Please contact the LoCall Helpline on 08457 585072 for more information.
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