Can I get Child Tax Credit?
Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit
Child Tax Credit is being replaced by Universal Credit. You will only able to get Child Tax Credit in the situations listed below. Otherwise if you try to make a new claim for Child Tax Credit, you would be required to claim Universal Credit instead. If you or your partner are receiving a legacy benefit such as Housing Benefit, you will lose this if you make a claim for Universal Credit.
You can find out whether you can make a claim for Child Tax Credit by using our Benefits Calculator or by seeking advice. You can find an advice agency in your area by using our Find an Adviser tool. Read more about Universal Credit on our website.
If you are on Child Tax Credit and your situation stays the same, you won’t have to claim Universal Credit, at present. The government won’t start transferring people over to Universal Credit until July 2019 and it aims to complete this process by December 2023.
Who can get Child Tax Credit?
You can get Child Tax Credit in the following situations:
- You are on Tax Credits (Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit) at present, unless you try to claim another legacy benefit or Universal Credit, or
- You get a Severe Disability Premium on your existing benefits.
In addition:
- you are 16 or over, and
- you are responsible for at least one child.
The child must be:
You can find out more about what you need to do when your child turns 16 on the Child Tax Credit when your child reaches 16 page of the Gov.UK website
If you have a child aged between 16 and 19 included in your Child Tax Credit claim, make sure that you tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) each year by 31 August whether they are still in relevant education or approved training. If you don't, the child will be removed from your claim and your award will be reduced or stopped.
What happens to my Child Tax Credit if I start a new relationship?
If you claimed Tax Credits as a single person and you later have a partner who joins your household, you will have to close down your single claim for Tax Credits. If you then make a new joint claim for Tax Credits, you will instead be required to claim Universal Credit. This does not apply if you get a Severe Disability Premium on your existing benefits as a couple. You can use our Benefits Calculator to check whether you would get a Severe Disability Premium on your benefits if you were a couple.
What happens to my Child Tax Credit if I separate from my partner?
If you made a joint claim for tax credits as a couple and you later separate, you will have to close down your joint claim for tax credits. If you then make a new single claim for tax credits, you will instead be required to claim Universal Credit. This doesn't apply if you are getting a Severe Disability Premium on your existing benefits.
Updated: July 2019