A Video and information on helping to make sure you get the Tax Credits you deserve and are entitled to.

Tax credits are payments made by the government to claimants who are responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you or are on a low income as Working Tax Credit.

Who qualifies for tax credits?

Nine out of ten families with children qualify for tax credits, but you don't need to have children to claim. You may also qualify if you are working and on a low income.

The amount of tax credit is measured by

• how many children you have living with you
• whether you work - and how many hours you work
• if you pay for childcare
• if you or any child living with you has a disability
• if you're aged 50 plus and are coming off benefits

You'll need to make a joint claim for tax credits if you are any of the following:

• married
• a man and woman living together as if you are married
• part of a civil partnership
• a couple living together as if in a civil partnership

You can only make a single claim if you don't have a partner.

The Tax Credit Office will pay tax credits directly to your Bank or Building Society Account.

If you're making a new claim for tax credits your payments will usually run from the date of your claim to the end of the tax year.

Every year during April, May and June the Tax Credit department will send you forms asking you to:

• confirm the information they have regarding your personal circumstances
• confirm the income you received in the tax year that has just ended
• inviting you to renew your claim

This procedure helps the Tax Credit Office to check that the payments they made to you were correct. It enables them to base their payments to you on up to date current information.

Youi should of course advise them immediately if your income or circumstances change.