Working Tax Credit Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to be working to claim Working Tax Credit?
• If I'm changing jobs can I continue to claim as normal?
• How many hours do I need to work to claim Working Tax Credit?
• Can I take maternity or adoption leave and still claim?
• Can I take paternity leave and still claim?
• Can I still claim if I am on sick leave?
• How do I know if I qualify for the disabled worker element?
• What is a disability that puts someone at a disadvantage of getting a job?
• Can I get help with the cost of childcare?
• How do I know if I qualify for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit?
• What happens if I change or stop my childcare arrangements?

If your first language isn't English, please ask to speak to an advisor in your preferred language.

Do I have to be working to claim Working Tax Credit?

Yes, or at least beginning work within seven days of your claim. Volunteers or charity workers are not eligible.

If I'm changing jobs can I continue to claim as normal?

Yes, as long as the gap between jobs is not more than six days. If this is the case, we will need you to make a new claim based on the circumstances of your new job.

How many hours do I need to work to claim Working Tax Credit?

The amount of hours you need to work to claim is dependant on your age, whether or not you are responsible for any children or if you have any disabilities. For more information, give us a call on 0845 300 3900.

Can I take maternity or adoption leave and still claim?

Yes, provided you worked at least 16 or 30 hours (whichever applied) immediately before going on your leave, you can continue to claim for the first 26 weeks.

Can I take paternity leave and still claim?

Yes, provided you worked at least 16 or 30 hours (whichever applied) immediately before going on your leave, you can continue to claim for the two weeks paternity leave and be paid Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) for those two weeks.

Can I still claim if I am on sick leave?

If you are off work for up to 28 weeks because of illness and are receiving:

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
• Short-term incapacity Benefit at the lower rate
• Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity for work
• National Insurance credits on the grounds of incapacity for work

Then you will still be able to claim Working Tax Credit, provided you work at least 16 or 30 hours a week (whichever applies) immediately before you started to receive any of these benefits.

How do I know if I qualify for the disabled worker element?

You may receive the disabled worker element if you work at least 16 hours a week and have a physical or mental disability, which puts you at a disadvantage of getting a job.

If you wish to find out more, just give us a call on 0845 300 3900 and we'll be happy to answer any questions.

What is a disability that puts someone at a disadvantage of getting a job?

• Seeing
• Hearing
• Communicating with others
• Getting around
• Using your hands
• Reaching with your arms
• Mental disabilities
• Exhaustion and pain

We may ask you to give us the name of a healthcare professional, who can confirm the extent to which your disability affects you.

Can I get help with the cost of childcare?

Yes. The childcare element of Working Tax Credit can help with up to 80% of your childcare cost up to a maximum of £175 a week for one child and £300 a week for two or more children.

How do I know if I qualify for the childcare element of Working Tax Credit?

To claim, you must be over 16 and:

• (If you are a single parent) work 16 hours a week or more
• (If you are in a couple) both of you must work 16 hours or more, or
• One partner must work 16 hours a week or more and the other partner must be incapacitated, an in-patient in hospital or in prison

What happens if I change or stop my childcare arrangements?

As soon as any changes occur, give us a call on 0845 300 3900 and we will work out your childcare situation with you.