Turn2us - to access benefits & grants.

Use Turn2us to check Tax Credits

Immediate release: Thursday 22 July 2010

Turn2us, the free and confidential service - which helps people in financial need access the money available to them in welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help - is encouraging individuals to visit its website and check their entitlement to tax credits ahead of the 31 July deadline.

For anyone who is feeling confused by the tax credits system, Turn2us offers an easy-to-use benefits checker which will allow you to check your benefit entitlement in minutes.

As well as a benefits checker for members of the public, anyone who supports people in financial need – including advisers, support workers and welfare officers – can also access an advanced version for quick calculations to work out their clients’ entitlements.

Alison Taylor, Director of Turn2us, said: “Navigating the tax credits system can often be frustrating and time-consuming, so we would encourage people to visit the Turn2us website to check their benefit entitlement through our benefits checkers. Instead of spending hours trying to work out what you, or your client, might be entitled to, Turn2us will give quick estimates and information on how to claim.

“We know that in 2007/2008 approximately £2.49 billion in Child Tax Credits went unclaimed, while approximately £3.91 billion in Working Tax Credits went unclaimed. Knowing what you, or your client, are entitled to will help to maximise income and reduce financial stress and worry.”

Turn2us, part of the poverty charity Elizabeth Finn Care, brings together an easy to use Benefits Checker and a Grants Search giving access to over 3,500 charitable funds – all available through www.turn2us.org.uk.

ENDS

For further information and interviews, please contact:
Kellie Smith, Senior Press Officer. Telephone: 020 8834 9263. Mobile: 07783 435 746.  Hythe House, 200 Shepherds Bush Road, London, W6 7NL.

Notes to Editors:

• Elizabeth Finn Care is a charity that helps people in financial need through direct financial support and access to welfare benefits, grants and other financial help from over 3,500 charities using the Turn2us comprehensive website (www.turn2us.org.uk) and freephone helpline.
• Since being founded in 1897, the charity has given away over £130m to people in need. In 2009/2010 over 3564 British and Irish citizens were given grants totalling £3,669,920 by Elizabeth Finn Care.
• Turn2us was founded by Elizabeth Finn Care in 2007, and merged into Elizabeth Finn Care in October 2009.
• Tax credits are payments from the government. If you’re responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but are on a low income, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. 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. (Source HM Revenue & Customs)
• In 2007/2008 approximately £2.49 billion in Child Tax Credits went unclaimed and approximately £3.91 billion in Working Tax Credits went unclaimed. (Source HM Revenue & Customs (link opens in a new window))