Working Tax Credits

Local MP, Andrew George, is concerned that some constituents currently receiving Working Tax Credits could find out tomorrow that they are no longer entitled to payments.

Couples with children who are receiving Working Tax Credit (WTC) where one partner is receiving Carer’s Allowance are at risk of losing their full tax credits unless they contact the Tax Credit Office by 6th April.

From tomorrow, the Government is increasing the number of hours a couple with children has to work in order to receive WTC.

Claimants will need to work 24 hours a week or more (instead of 16) and if they are unable to find the extra hours they will lose their entitlement.

However, following a campaign by Carers UK and other groups, the Government has announced that couples including someone on Carer’s Allowance will be exempt from this increase from 16 to 24 hours.

Mr George said: “If anyone is in doubt about their entitlement they should contact the Tax Credit Office as soon as possible, particularly if they have started to claim Carer’s Allowance since claiming WTC and if they are uncertain whether the Tax Credit Office is aware of this.”

The Tax Credit Office can be contacted on 0345 300 3900 or email via www.hmrc.gov.uk/contactus/email.htm

 

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