Child Tax Credit is means-tested and the person claiming must be at least 16. To qualify for Child Tax Credit you or your partner must be responsible for a child or young person who normally lives with you. A child is someone aged under 16. A young person is someone aged between 16 and 19, who is in full-time education.

The amount of Child Tax Credit you can get is made up of several elements. These include the family element and the child element for each child in the family. There are extra amounts for children with disabilities.

How can I claim?

You can ring the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909. You can also get application packs for Child Tax Credit from your local HMRC Enquiry Centre. For more information, see www.hmrc.gov.uk

Working Tax Credits

This is a payment made to working people on a low income to top up their earnings. It can be claimed by single people, couples, parents and peole without children.  It's also paid to working people with a physical or mental disability that puts them at a disadvantage in getting a job.

Working tax credits also includes payment towards the cost of childcare.  Working Tax Credit is means-tested and you must be aged 16 or over when you make a claim.  You must also be working at least 16 hours a week.

Working Tax Credit is made up of different elements to suit people's different circumstances.  These include a lone parent element, a disability element, a childcare element and a 50-plus element.  You may still be able to claim Working Tax Credit for up to 28 weeks if you are off work due to illness.

How can I claim tax credits?

You can call the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909.  You can also get an application pack for Working Tax Credit from your local HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Enquiry Centre, your local Social Security office or local Jobs and Benefits office. For more information, visit hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits