Do you earn less than £58,175?
If your family income is less than £58,175 per year (£66,350 if your child is aged under 12 months) you are eligible for Child Tax Credit. This award, paid by HM Revenue and Customs, is available to help with the costs of bringing up children.
The amount you are paid is directly related to your family's income and how many children you have. It is paid directly into the bank account of the children's main carer (usually the same person who receives Child Benefit). If you are the main carer and you do not have a bank account, you may want to open a Post Office Starter Account. Ask at your local Post Office for details.
Important facts
- Your family does not have to be in paid employment to receive Child Tax Credit.
- If your family is in employment you will be able to receive Child Tax Credit at the basic family element of £545 per year.
- If your family is in employment and you have a low income you may receive child elements for each of your children as well as the family element.
- If your family receives Income Support you will receive the full family element plus child elements for each child you have.
Disabled child element of the Child Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit is paid at a higher rate for children with disabilities. If you have a child with disabilities you may be eligible for the disabled child element or the severely disabled child element. Credits are paid for each child you are responsible for who you are also receiving Disability Living Allowance for, or who is registered blind. The extra payment is worth £2,440 per year - disabled child element or £980 per year - severely disabled child element, on top of the basic family element and (any other applicable amounts) of Child Tax Credit.
For further details about Child Tax Credit or to make a claim contact the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or visit: www.hmrc.gov.uk.