Child tax credit
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Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a tax credit designed to help families with dependent children. If you are on a low or middle income and have only modest savings you are likely to be entitled.
CTC is more generous than other benefits. Maintenance payments and most other benefits and allowances, including Social Fund payments, are disregarded as income when HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) calculates your entitlement to tax credits.
Who can claim it?
You can claim if you are responsible for one or more children who usually live with you.
You can claim for children under 16 and for children under 20 if they are in full time education, studying up to A level or an equivalent standard, or if they are in unpaid work-based training.
If you have a child who gets any rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the CTC you may be able to claim will include an extra Disabled Child Element.
If your child gets DLA at the high rate for personal care you may also be able to claim an additional Severe Disabled Child Element. These credits are in addition to all the tax credits available to other families.
How do you get it?
To claim, ring the Tax Credit helpline on 0845 300 3900. If your child's entitlement to DLA changes, it's in your interests to tell HMRC about this as soon as possible.