Tax credits

Tax credits are payments from the government to help with everyday costs. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may be eligible for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but earn low wages, you may be eligible for Working Tax Credit.

A tax credit isn't a tax - it's money that you receive regularly. And it isn't deducted from your tax bill either - in fact you can get it even if you don't pay tax. The amount of tax credits you receive will depend on your annual income, how many children or qualifying young people live with you, if any child or young person is disabled, etc.

The process normally takes from 6 to 8 weeks.