Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a means-tested or income-related tax-free payment administered by HMRC at the Tax Credit Office.
CTC has been replaced by Universal Credit for most people.
You can only make a new claim for Child Tax Credit if you get the severe disability premium or got it in the past month and are still eligible for it.
People who already have an award for CTC 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 children under 20 in approved education, training or registered with a careers service. 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 2023 to 2024 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 £3,235 |
| For each disabled child |
Up to £3,905
(on top of the child element) |
| For each severely disabled child |
Up to £1,575
(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
CTC 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?
Call HM Revenue and Customs to make a new claim for Child Tax Credit.
It can take up to 5 weeks to process a new claim.
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 8am to 4pm