Working Tax Credit - How do I claim Working Tax Credit?

Most people cannot make new claims for tax credits. Read our information about who can claim tax credits before making a claim.

If you are already claiming tax credits and you need to change your claim (for example you already get Child Tax Credit and want to claim Working Tax Credit), call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on the Tax Credits Helpline (numbers below) or manage your Tax Credits online using the Manage your Tax Credits online section of the Gov.UK website. You should also contact HMRC if you need to tell them of a change of circumstance.  

You can report most changes through the tax credits online service.

• Telephone: 0345 300 3900
• Relay UK: 18001 0345 300 3909

You have to renew your claim by 31 July every year. If you do not renew it, your Working Tax Credit may stop. See the Gov.UK website for more information on renewing tax credits.

What documents will I need to claim Working Tax Credit?

You will need:

• Your national insurance number
• Proof of who you are, for example a birth certificate or driving licence
• Proof of your annual income for the previous tax year , for example bank statements or pay slips
• Your partner's details if they live with you (including income details for the previous tax year ).

Change of circumstances

Working Tax Credit is paid on a year by year basis but it is very important to tell HMRC about changes during the year which could affect the money you get. You must tell them about some changes within one month.

See the Gov.UK website for more information about changes that affect tax credits

HM Revenue and Customs also have a digital service for tax credit customers that allows people to check their next tax credits payment details online and to report most changes of circumstances.

Updated: June 2022