If you are responsible for children then you may be able to claim Child Tax Credit. Child Tax Credit is designed to support families with children and is paid in addition to other benefits such as Child Benefit and Working Tax Credit.
Our guide looks at everything you need to know about Child Tax Credit.
Who can claim Child Tax Credit?
If you have a child under 16 years of age and a household income of under £41,300 then you may be able to claim Child Tax Credit. You may also be able to claim if your child is aged between 16 and 19 (see below) and if your household income is higher but you are claiming for two or more children, you are claiming childcare costs or your child has a disability.
You can claim whether or not you are in work.
You can usually claim Child Tax Credit for a child who lives with you until 31 August after their 16th birthday. After this, you can still claim for them as long as they are under the age of 20 and they are in full-time non-advanced education or approved training.
Full-time non-advanced education should average more than 12 hours supervised study a week and includes studying for qualifications such as A levels, NVQs (at level 3) and Scottish Highers.
When claiming Child Tax Credit, you must make a joint claim as a couple if you are married or in a civil partnership (unless you are separated under a court order or your separation is likely to be permanent.)
You must also claim as a couple if you are living with someone as if you are married, or in a civil partnership.
If you are not married, in a civil partnership or living as such you should make a single claim.
How much Child Tax Credit will I get?
The amount of Child Tax Credit that you will receive depends on:
- Your income
- How many children you have
The amount of Child Tax Credit that you will receive will normally be between £545 and £8,220. Generally speaking, the higher the number of children you have and the lower your income, the more Child Tax Credit you will be eligible for.
If you have a child with a disability then you may be able to claim additional Child Tax Credit.
If you are eligible for Income Support, Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit or Income Based Employment and Support Allowance then you are entitled to the maximum amount of Child Tax Credit for your children.
How is Child Tax Credit paid?
Child Tax Credit is normally paid every four weeks directly into the bank or building society account of the main carer for all the children in your family. You can generally choose who the main carer is.
In some cases you can ask for your Child Tax Credit to be paid on a weekly basis.
If my household income is £14,000 and I have two children, what Child Tax Credit should I get?
Shannon – thanks for your question. According to the HMRC tables, you should receive £5,660 in Child Tax Credit this year.
If our household income is £16,100 and we have 2 children are we entitled to anything?
Does it make a difference on the amount of hours we work?
hello – my son turns 1 in July – does the tax credit amount go down?
My partner is claiming child tax credit but l want to claim them in my name how do l go about it?
Hi, in a bit of dilemna at the moment, my son has autism and been home educated since year 9 via Education otherwise, he is also registerd with the local Careers office, and until something suitable comes up we continue to home ed up to 16 hours per week. However, we are also awaiting a visit to a new special school opening after Easter, so if he does end up going there, it will be the 6th form. He turned 17 in Jan 2012 and did receive extension on tax credits and child benefit which have now stopped in Jan 2012, so besides his DLA he has no other income coming in, his Careers adviser said as he is still registered with them, they assume the credits and CHB would continue, any help please? because my son could be losing out, thank you.
I work 19 hours a week have 2 children and earn £8458 how will I be effected by the new rates coming in on th 6/4/2012
hi can someone tll me what my weekley incom will be if my anuwell income is 13686.24 what will i get weekley for two children thanks gemma