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Working Tax Credit (WTC) is a state benefit in the United Kingdom paid by HMRC to support people who are working and on a low income. It does not matter whether you are an employee or self-employed. In addition, people may also be entitled to Child Tax Credit (CTC) if they are responsible for any children. The basic amount of WTC is up to £1,960 a year - could get more (or less) depending on circumstances and income. Do not miss opportunity to top up your income.
Who can get
You can get WTC if you or your partner are working enough hours a week and your income is low enough. Also you must be living in the UK. If you are from abroad, WCT depends on your immigration status.
You can’t claim tax credits and Universal Credit at the same time.
WTC depends on many factors:
-
Age. You must be 16 or over. You must be 25 or over if you don’t have children or you don’t have a disability.
-
Hours a week. You must work a certain number of hours a week.
Circumstance |
Hours a week |
|---|---|
Aged 25 to 59 |
At least 30 hours |
Aged 60 or over |
At least 16 hours |
Disabled |
At least 16 hours |
Single with 1 or more children |
At least 16 hours |
Couple with 1 or more children |
Usually, at least 24 hours between you (with 1 of you working at least 16 hours) |
-
Income. There’s no set limit for income because it depends on your circumstances (and those of your partner). For example, maximum household income in 2016-17 (excluding disability element and childcare and the annual income is before tax and National Insurance are taken off):
Number of kids |
Maximum income in 2016-17 |
|---|---|
None, single |
£13,000 |
None, couple |
£18,000 |
One |
£25,000 |
Two |
£35,000 |
Three |
£40,000 |
How much will you get
The maximum WTC you can get is calculated by adding together different elements which are based on your circumstances.
Elements |
Maximum amount paid in 2016-17 |
Basic element – one per single claimant or couple |
£1,960 |
Couples’ and lone parents’ element (paid in addition to the basic element but only one Couples’ element allowed per couple |
£2,010 |
30 hour element (paid if you work 30 hours or more per week but only one element allowed per couple) |
£810 |
Disabled worker element. (a couple can receive two elements if both claimants are eligible) |
£2,970 |
Severe disability element (a couple can receive two elements if both claimants are eligible). |
£1,275 |
Childcare element, childcare for one child |
£175 a week |
Childcare element, childcare for two or more children |
£300 a week |
More information you can find on the GOV.UK.
Contact us if you believe you are entitled to WTC. We can also help with other benefits.
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