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Frequently Asked
Questions
State
Benefits
Q
Are there any state benefits available for working parents?
A
If you were claiming tax credits before April 2003, you should have received a
claim form for the new tax credits. You have to complete and return the form to
claim the new tax credits.
From April 2003 Children's Tax Credit and Working Families' Tax Credit were
replaced with:
Child Tax Credit pays up to £10.45 a week (or £29.90 if you have a child
under one year old), if you:
Have a child under 16 (or under 19 and in full-time education) who lives with
you, and an income of less than £58,000 a year.
Families with an income of less than £13,000 a year will also receive Child Tax
Credit of £27.75 per week for each child.
Working Tax Credit tops up your wages if:
At least one parent works on average more than 16 hours a week, and your income
is less than £250 per week (if you are a single parent) or £285 (joint income if
you are a couple).
Childcare Tax Credit pays 70% of your childcare costs if you (and your partner
if you have one) work over 16 hours a week.
You can claim on costs of up to:
Your childcare needs to be with an approved childcare provider (one who is
registered with a local authority or
OFSTED.
Q
Could I get help to pay my rent, even though I am in
employment?
A
You may be able to claim for benefits to help you pay your rent, whether you are
in council housing or renting privately.
Apply through your local council. These benefits are means-tested (they depend
on what you earn).
Q
Might I be able to claim other state benefits as a part-time
worker?
A
You may be able to claim Income Support/Job Seekers’ Allowance if you work
part-time. Check with your
local Benefits Agency office.
Q
How do I claim Tax Credits?
A
The Inland Revenue are responsible for administering the new tax credits.
Whether you are claiming Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or both, you only
need to fill in one claim form, Form TC600.
You can get the form by telephoning the Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 or
0845 603 2000 (in Northern Ireland). If you have access to the internet, you can
make a claim online by visiting the
Inland
Revenue site.
Q
I don’t have any children, can I claim Tax Credits?
A
Yes you might be able to. Working Tax Credit can be paid to people on a low
income without children.
There are three different groups of people without children that might qualify
for Working Tax Credit.
-
Aged 25 or over and work more than 30 hours a week
-
You are disabled and work more than 16 hours a week
-
You, or your partner if you are a member of a couple, and
You are aged 50 or over and work at least 16 hours a week
If in doubt, put in a claim. If you have access to the internet you can visit
the
Inland Revenue web site. and complete the section 'Do I qualify' to find out
whether you qualify and how much you could claim.
Q
The Tax Credit form looks really complicated, what do I need
to fill it in?
A
As the amount of tax credit you receive depends upon your gross income (the
amount you earn before any deductions) you will need your P60 form. This is the
form that your employer gives you shortly after 5 April every year. You will
also need to provide details of your bank or building society account into which
your tax credits will be paid.
You will also need to provide details of your bank or building society account
into which your tax credits will be paid.
If you are claiming for children, you need to provide your Child Benefit
reference number that you will find either on your Child Benefit order book or
any letters that you have been sent about Child Benefit. If you are claiming
help with childcare costs, you need to provide your childcare provider's name,
address, phone number, approval or registration details and the average weekly
cost.
Don't be put off by the form. If you have any difficulties filling it in, ring
the Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900 or 0845 603 2000 (Northern Ireland).
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