Housing Services in Bexley
Housing Benefit
New Tax Credits
Since 7th April 2003, the Working Families Tax Credit and Disabled
Persons Tax Credit has been replaced by two new benefits: Working
Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit are part of the Government's
programme for tackling poverty and making work pay.
Working Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit began on 7th April 2003. This credit is for
people in low paid work and you can claim it whether or not you have children.
Working Tax Credit is for people who are employed or self-employed
(either on their own or in a partnership), who:
- usually work 16 hours or more a week
- are paid for that work
- expect to work for at least 4 weeks
and who are:
- aged 16 or over and responsible for at least one child
- aged 16 or over and disabled
- aged 25 or over and usually work at least 30 hours a week
Working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours
or more a week. If you do not have children, you will usually need
to work 30 hours or more a week to get Working Tax Credit.
If you are part of a couple, and both of you are working 16 hours
or more a week, you must choose which one of you will receive it.
You cannot receive Working Tax Credit if you are not working. There
are special rules for disabled people, with extra credit on offer.
Working Tax Credit will usually be paid through your pay packet.
If you are self-employed, it will be paid directly into your account.
For more information and to claim ring the Tax Credit Helpline on
either 0845 300 3900 or 0800 500 222 (textphone 0845 300 3909 for
people with speech or hearing difficulties).
They can tell you how much you could get and send you a claim form.
Alternatively, you can claim online by visiting the  Inland Revenue.
Child Tax Credit
If you have children under 19, you may be able to claim Child
Tax Credit. This benefit has been available since 7th April 2003 and nine out
of ten families with children are entitled to it. You do not have to be a taxpayer
or in paid employment to qualify. This includes students and nurses.
Child Tax Credit is for people who are responsible for at least
one child or qualifying young person.
Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible
for caring for the child or children. If you are a lone parent you
will receive the payment.
You can get Child Tax Credit if your family income is up to £58,000
a year, or up to £66,000 a year if you have a child under
the age of one. It will be paid to the main carer and for most families
will be worth at least £10 a week.
If you are getting income support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
there is no need to claim Child Tax Credit. You will automatically
be transferred to Child Tax Credit in April 2004.
For more information and to claim please ring the Tax Credit Helpline
on 0845 300 3900 or 0800 500 222 (textphone 0845 300 3909 for people
with speech or hearing difficulties). They can tell you how much
you could get and send you a claim form or you can claim online
(and find out how much you could get) by visiting the Inland Revenue website.
If you are awarded Tax Credits it is important that you notify
the Benefits Office as this could affect your entitlement to Housing
or Council Tax Benefit.
A change in circumstances could lead to an overpayment in your
Housing or Council Tax Benefit. If this happens, the Council will
ask for the money to be repaid.
If you want general or specialist advice with Tax Credits or Housing
and Council Tax Benefit you can contact the Council's welfare rights
providers on the following numbers:
Thamesmead Law Centre - 020 8320 5643
Age Concern Bexley - 020 8300 7086
Carers' Support (Bexley) - 020 8302 8011
Childcare costs
As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for help towards
the costs of childcare. If you receive the childcare element of Working Tax Credit,
this will always be paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring
for the child or children, alongside payments of Child Tax Credit.
For further information regarding Child Tax Credit please contact
the Inland Revenue on the numbers above.
Tax Credit Calculator
If you are unsure whether you are entitled to Tax Credits you
can find out by using an entitlement calculator. |
