Tax Credits

What are Tax Credits?

Tax Credits are payments from the government to help with the everyday cost of living. If you work, but earn low wages, you could be entitled to Working Tax Credit. If you are responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may be entitled to Child Tax Credit.

Working Tax Credit

If you're in work but on a low salary, the Working Tax Credit can top up your income. You are free to claim for this this whether you're employed or self-employed and you may get extra if:

You're a parent or responsible for one or more children or young people
You pay for childcare
You are disabled
You're aged 50 or over.

You can find out more about Working Tax Credit by visiting the Advice Guide website.

Child Tax Credit

If you have a child or are responsible for one you may qualify for this benefit. How much you get will depend on:

How many children or qualifying young people live with you
If any child or young person is disabled
Your income.

However, be aware that If you share responsibility for a child with someone else who doesn't live with you, and the children or young people also live with them for part of the time, you need to decide between you who has main responsibility. Only the family with main responsibility can claim for Child Tax Credit.

You can find out more about Child Tax Credits by visiting the Advice Guide website.

Last updated: 18 January 2012