In this article, we will provide you an all-around glimpse on what child tax credit is, what the claiming process for child tax credit is and how it can help you take better care of your children.
What is child tax credit?
Child tax credit is a social benefit scheme introduced by the UK government to help you raise your children with ease. However, it is gradually becoming obsolete and the Universal Credit is taking its place. So, for maximum people with a need of child tax benefit, may need to apply for Universal Credit instead.
Exception:
You can still claim for child tax credit benefits if you are receiving severe disability program or enlisted within it.
Claiming process for child tax credit:
Claiming process for child tax credit is not a heavy task at all. You can apply for child tax credit online. For that, you have to fulfil the HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) Tax Credit claim form online. Moreover, you can just dial the Tax credits number and contact HM Revenue and Customs to initiate your claim. The contact numbers for HM Revenue and Customs are easily available in their website. It generally takes more or less 5 weeks to verify a new application. If the age of your child crossed 16, you are eligible to claim until 31st August past their 16th birthday. In case, the children are getting approved education or training, your eligibility for claim will extend till their 20th birthday.
If there is no provision for you to apply for Child tax credit, you can alternative try for Universal Credit. If the age of you and your partner is more than State pension age, you need to opt for Pension credit instead of applying for Universal credit.
After filing your claim for child tax credit, the officials will ask you some relevant questions to decide how much amount you will receive.
Below are some examples of possible questions that you can expect while claiming for Child tax credit:
i) They might ask you for your National Insurance number.
ii) Your income details for last year.
iii) Details of the benefits you are currently receiving.
iv) How much you paid in total for childcare payments. Or, the details of any childcare payment that you are paying currently.
v) Your weekly work details.
Child care responsibility (Eligibility criteria):
To apply for Child Tax Credit benefit, you have to be responsible for certain child care duties explained below:
i) If your child stays with you all time.
ii) If you are the chief custodian for your child.
iii) If the children keep their belongings at your place.
iv) If you bear their meal expenses and offer them pocket money.
v) If they are currently staying in Switzerland or an EEA country but you are carrying their financial expenses.
If you face any confusion to decide whether you are responsible for your child or not, HMRC will assist you deciding that.
On the other hand, if you share your child’s responsibility with your partner or someone else and cannot decide who will take the responsibility, then two of you can apply together. HMRC will make a decision about who will get the responsibility.
For adopted child:
If you adapt a child and not receiving any benefit from the local council, you still can apply for Child Credit tax. However, if you are receiving money, then you need to contact HMRC to know whether you are eligible or not to make a new claim.
Responsibility for disabled child:
If your child is physically challenged or special child, you may receive extra Child Tax Credit. This is also valid if you currently receiving any one of the below benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- In case if your child is blind, you can also claim for extra Child Tax Credit.
