Care and support

Working tax credit (WTC)

Working tax credit can be claimed by low paid families with children, and by disabled people with or without children, who are working at least 16 hours a week. WTC can also be paid to people aged over 25 without children, who are working at least 30 hours a week. There are increased amounts for those working 30 hours or more and for disabled workers. WTC can include an amount for childcare costs.

You are able to claim working tax credit during any period when you are getting SMP, SPP, SAP or MA (or are absent from work during your paternity leave or the 39 weeks of ordinary and additional maternity or adoption leave) as long as you were in full time work immediately before the period began. However, you should inform the tax credit office if you are still off work at the end of this period.

Claim working tax credit by phoning the tax credit helpline on 0845 300 3900.

For more information about tax credits select the link entitled families and benefits on the right hand side of the page.