Information » Money » Money while you work » Working Tax Credit
- Working tax credit is for people who are over 16 and employed or self-employed and on a low income
- To be eligible, you must usually work 16 hours or more a week, be paid for that work and expect to work for at least four weeks
- You must also be 16 or over and responsible for a child or 16 or over and disabled or 25 and over and usually working at least 30 hours a week
- The amount you receive will depend on your annual income
- If you are part of a couple where you both work over 16 hours a week, only one of you can receive working tax credit
- Working tax credit is made up of different elements, including:
- A basic adult element which is paid to you if you meet the criteria
- An extra element which is paid to single parents and couples
- An extra element which is paid if you and your partner, if you have one, work a total of 30 hours or more a week
- An extra element which is paid if you (or your partner) are working and have a disability
- An extra element which is paid if you (or your partner) are working and have a severe disability
- An extra element for people aged 50 or over who have returned to work after a period on benefit
- A childcare element which is paid to help households who are working and have to spend money on childcare. See also CHILD TAX CREDIT
- To apply for Working Tax Credit, contact the tax credit helpline for an application pack (see below). The application form for your first claim is Form TC600. You can also apply on-line at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits The application pack is also available from HM Revenue and Customs centres, local benefit offices and Jobcentres
- To find out more about working tax credit or for help filling in your form, visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau
