Working Tax Creditwoman in green skirt- Important Changes

Working tax credit (WTC) is paid to people who work and have a low income.

From 6th April 2012, important changes to the rules on claiming Working Tax Credit means that two parent families with children now have to work for a minimum of 24 hours a week (previously 16 hours a week). This means that either one member of a couple must work for either 24 hours a week or at least 16 hours a week with the partner making up the hours to over 24 in total.

You can continue to receive Working Tax Credit while working 16 hours a week or more if:

  • You have an illness or disability that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job and you qualify for the disability element, or
  • You are a lone parent family, or
  • You are working for 16 hours or more a week AND your partner is incapacitated, in hospital or in prison, or
  • You are aged 60 or over 

 From April 2012 you will no longer be entitled to Working Tax Credit or additional Working Tax Credit on the basis of the '50+ element'

IMPORTANT!

If your Working Tax Credit stops or is reduced, you may be entitled to additional Housing Benefit. Please contact your Local Authority, or the Financial and Social Inclusion Team at Isos Housing on 0300 300 1505 for a free and confidential benefit check.

To claim Working Tax Credits, or to report a change in circumstances, please call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or at www.hmrc.gov.uk Opens in a new window