Making work pay

It is very disheartening if you work hard all week but still find it difficult to make ends meet. Lots of people who are employed or self-employed have to get by on low pay, but there are several benefits schemes that can boost your income.

Working Tax Credit

You could be eligible for Working Tax Credit to top up your earnings if:

• You are 16 or over, you work at least 16 hours a week, and you are also responsible for at least one child (in which case you may also qualify for help with childcare costs) or you are also disabled.

• You are 25 or over and work on average 30 hours or more a week, even if you don’t have any children or a disability.

The amount will vary according to your income, how many hours you work and your circumstances. You may also be entitled to free prescriptions, a Sure Start Maternity Grant to help with costs of a new baby, or a funeral payment to help with costs of a funeral. However, tax credits may count as income for some means-tested benefits.

Contact the Tax Credit Helpline on 0845 300 3900 (textphone 0845 300 3909) or your local benefits or Jobcentre Plus office for a Working Tax Credit application pack.

You can find lots more information and fill out an online form to see if you are eligible at www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue.gov.uk

Housing Benefit

You may be able to claim Housing Benefit from your local council to help with your rent, even if you are working. The amount you receive depends on your income (including any Working Tax Credit that you receive), your savings, and your circumstances. If you live with a partner, only one of you can get Housing Benefit.

Council Tax Benefit

You may also qualify for help towards your council tax, even if you are working. Any Council Tax Benefit you receive will be paid by your local council as a rebate on your council tax bill.

Contact your local council for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit forms.

Working less than 16 hours a week?

If you work on average less than 16 hours a week and you live alone or with a partner who works less than 24 hours a week, you may be able to claim Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Contact your nearest Jobcentre Plus office for information on Income Support or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

If you have children, don’t forget about:

• Child Tax Credit: a means-tested allowance for parents and carers of children, regardless of whether they work. All families with incomes of less than £50,000 should receive at least £545 a year (with smaller amounts for families with incomes between £50,000 and £58,000). If your income is no more than £14,495 you should also qualify for an additional £1,845 a year for each child.

• Child Benefit: a regular payment made to anyone bringing up a child, regardless of income. It's paid for each child that qualifies and isn't affected by tax credits.

For information and advice about any of the above benefits contact:

• Change (free and confidential money advice): tel 020 8535 2960 (quote reference: advice)

• Citizens Advice Bureau: tel 020 7833 2181

• Visit the main HM Revenue & Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk

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