Child Tax Credit - 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 if you are already getting Working Tax Credit and then become responsible for a child. Otherwise, if you want extra money to help with the costs of raising children, you will have to get it through Universal Credit (if you or your partner are below pension age), or Pension Credit (if you and your partner are both over Pension age).

If you've received a notice letter telling you to claim Universal Credit, read our guide Universal Credit Migration Notice to find out about your next steps. 

You can find out whether you can make a claim for Child Tax Credit by using our Benefits Calculator or by seeking advice.

If you are on Child Tax Credit and your situation stays the same, you won’t have to claim Universal Credit until you recieve your managed migration notice. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) started issuing these notices to people on tax credits in 2022 and aims to complete this process by March 2025.

Who can get Child Tax Credit?

You can get Child Tax Credit if you are currently on Working Tax Credit. If not, you will have to claim Universal Credit.

In addition:

• You are 16 or over, and
• You are responsible for at least one child.

The child must be:

• under 16, or
• aged between 16 and 20 and in relevant education or approved training.

You can find out more about what you need to do when your child turns 16 at Gov.UK: Child Tax Credit when your child reaches 16.

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 still want to get money to help with the cost of raising children, you will have to get it through Universal Credit. 

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 still want to get money to help with the cost of raising children, you will have to get it through Universal Credit.