Child Tax Credits

Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a means-tested allowance for parents and carers of children or young people who are still in full-time non advanced education or approved training.

You don't have to be the child's parent to be eligible but you must be the main person responsible for them.

You may get CTC if you are responsible for at least one child under 16 or young person in full-time education at school or college, or doing approved training on a specified programme like Entry to Employment.

Child Tax Credits are based on your household circumstances, so you'll need to give HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) information about:

• your income
• your partner's or civil partner's income (if you have one)
• the children in your family
  • Families with children can claim Child Tax Credit if their income is no more than £41,300 for 2011-12 (2010-11 £58,175) a year. The amount you get depends on various things, including your annual income. The payment is made up of two elements:
• a family element paid to any family with at least one child and worth up to £545 (2011-12 tax year)
• a child element paid for each child in the family and worth up to £2,555 (2011-12)

You may get more if you care for a disabled child. The other tax credit you may be entitled to, if either you or your partner is working, is called Working Tax Credit. It includes a childcare element to help families who are working and spending money on childcare.

For more information visit: www.direct.gov.uk or www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk.