Tax credits

You, or the person you're looking after, may be entitled to tax credits. These tax credits can be claimed by you or the person you're looking after, or both of you, depending on your circumstances. The word 'you' in these pages refers to whoever is claiming the benefit.

For more information on the range of benefits you may be able to claim as a carer, see the section Benefits for carers.

For more information on the range of benefits the person you're looking after can claim, see Benefits for the person you look after.

Tax credits take into account your income and that of your spouse or partner. If you get any actual income from your capital this will be added to your other income. Like means-tested benefits, tax credits top up your income.

Child Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit is paid if you are in or out of work and have responsibility for a child. It is means-tested.

No matter what your circumstances are, if you have a child it's worth checking if you're entitled to any Child Tax Credit. Child Tax Credit is paid in addition to any other benefits that the family receives if you make a fresh claim for it now. You can check with the Benefit Enquiry Line (0800 882200).

If your child is awarded Disability Living Allowance (DLA) this increases the amount of Child Tax Credit that will be paid to you. Because of this, if your child has just started to receive DLA you should check if you are entitled to Child Tax Credit or more Child Tax Credit.

Working Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit is paid if you work and have a low income. It can be paid with most other benefits. To claim, you or your partner have to fulfill one of these criteria:

• work 30 hours a week or more and be 25 or over,
• work 16 hours a week or more and have responsibility for a child,
• work 16 hours a week or more and have a disability that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job, or
• work 16 hours a week or more and be 50 or over and satisfy other rules.