Child Tax Credit

Tax credits are payments from the government. Child Tax Credit is paid to you if you are responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you. You don't have to be working to claim Child Tax Credit.

Am I eligible for Child Tax Credit?

Anyone with a dependent child can claim Child Tax Credit. You can find out if you're eligible by taking a quick questionnaire on the Directgov website. You can apply whether or not you work and it’s paid in addition to Child Benefit. Child Tax Credit is made up of a basic family element (paid at a higher rate if you have a child under one) plus amounts for each child.

You may receive more Child Tax Credit if you have a child with a disability. This is because an extra amount is added to your calculation for each child who receives Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or is registered blind. If your child gets the highest rate of the DLA care component, a further amount will also be added.

How do I claim Child Tax Credit?

You can make a claim for Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit using Form TC600. You can get the form from your local Jobcentre Plus office or Tax Enquiry Office, or by calling the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900.

You can’t download the form from the HMRC website, but you can find out more about tax credits.