Claim the tax credits you’re due

Today (Sunday 6 April) the rates of tax credits are increased and Plymouth MPs Alison Seabeck and Linda Gilroy are encouraging local low-paid workers to claim, even if they don’t have children.

The Government has raised the earnings threshold for working tax credit, which means that many more workers in Plymouth could qualify for extra cash.

Linda Gilroy said: "This is good news, and it is important that everyone in the City gets the money they are entitled to. Claiming is easy – you can do it online or over the phone, but do it straight away, as your claim dates from the time you call or send the online claim. The earlier you do this, the more you can claim."

John Hannett, the General Secretary for Usdaw, the shopworkers’ union, added:

"Working tax credit has been available to people without children for several years, and Usdaw has helped many of our members in Plymouth to claim. We are pleased that the Government has now extended tax credits to include many shopworkers without children who work a standard week, and may now be able to claim tax credits for the first time.

"Our concern is that 80% of people who qualify for this support are not aware of it. Claiming tax credits means that they will be able to enjoy a better standard of living."

Alison Seabeck added: "If you think you could qualify, call the helpline straight away on 0845 300 3900 or claim online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits. Working Tax Credit is not just for families and " son Seabeck over the phone. f not already on the committee) are invited tootny rted by Andy K was not as strong as he thogu it is important that it is important everyone claims the money they are entitled to".

Workers without children can qualify for Working Tax Credit if they:

are over 25 years old
work at least 30 hours a week
are on an income below:
- £12,740 a year (£245 a week) if single
- £17,160 a year (£330 a week) joint income if in a couple.

Workers with children can also claim if one parent works for at least 16 hours a week and the household income is less than:

£438 a week (£22,800 a year) if you have one child
£541 a week (£28,150 a year) if you have two children
£644 a week (£33,500 a year) if you have three children.