Child Tax Credit

You can only make a claim for Child Tax Credit (CTC) if you already get Working Tax Credit.

If you cannot apply for Child Tax Credit, you can apply for Universal Credit instead.

You might be able to apply for Pension Credit if you and your partner are State Pension age or over.

People who already have an award for Child Tax Credit can add on a new claim for Working Tax Credit.

Am I eligible for Child Tax Credit?

If you:

  • currently receive tax credits
  • get a severe disability premium on one of your existing benefits

And

  • you are at least 16 years old
  • you are responsible for a child or qualifying young person who normally lives with you
  • you meet the residence and presence conditions and are not subject to immigration control

Child Tax Credit usually stops on 31 August after your child turns 16 but can continue for young people under 20 who are in approved education, training or registered with a careers service. More information for Child Tax Credit when your child reaches 16 (GOV.UK).

How much Child Tax Credit will I get?

How much CTC you get depends on your circumstances.

If all your children were born before 06 April 2017

You get:

  • the basic amount of Child Tax Credit (known as the 'family element')
  • the 'child element' for all children born before 06 April 2017

If you have another child on or after 06 April 2017, you'll usually only get the child element for them if they're the second child you're claiming for.

If your children were born on or after 06 April 2017

You get the child element for up to 2 children. You might get the child element for more children if exceptions apply. CTC support for a maximum of 2 children (GOV.UK).

You only get the family element if at least one of your children was born before 06 April 2017.

Child Tax Credit rates for the 2024 to 2025 tax year

Element Yearly amount
The basic amount
(this is known as 'the family element')		 Up to £545
For each child
(this is known as 'the child element')		 Up to £3,455
For each disabled child Up to £4,170
(on top of the child element)
For each severely disabled child Up to £1,680
(on top of the child element and the disabled child element)

Use the GOV.UK tax credit calculator to work out how much you could get.

Benefit Cap

Child Tax Credit is one of the benefits subject to the benefit cap, which limits the total weekly benefits that you can claim. The benefit cap will not apply if you qualify for Working Tax Credit, or if you receive certain benefits.

How do I claim?

You can only make a claim for Child Tax Credit if you already get Working Tax Credit.

If you get Working Tax Credit

Update your existing tax credit claim to claim Child Tax Credit.

If you do not get Working Tax Credit

You cannot apply for Child Tax Credit.