child tax credit and not working tax credit?

[tali122]

for free school meals it says it is onlt to those recieving child tax credit and not working tax credit- but i thought both of these were linked and you couldnt get one without the other does "child tax credit only" apply to unemployed with children?

[CheekyChops]

Child tax credit applies to working parents with children as well, not just unemployed ones.

[CheekyChops]

From the Inland Revenue Website:

Child Tax Credit is for people who are responsible for at least one child or qualifying young person. Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children. If you are a lone parent you will receive the payment. Child Tax Credit can be paid to workers who continue to pay UK National Insurance Contributions when posted from the UK to work in another country in the European Economic Area.

Working Tax Credit is for people who are employed or self-employed (either on their own or in a partnership), who
usually work 16 hours or more a week
are paid for that work, and
expect to work for at least 4 weeks

and who are

aged 16 or over and responsible for at least one child, or aged 16 or over and disabled, or
aged 25 or over and usually work at least 30 hours a week

Working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours or more a week. Couples, if both of you are working 16 hours or more a week, must choose which one of you will receive it. You cannot receive Working Tax Credit if you are not working

[tali122]

CheekyChops thanks- i recieve both components- but then can my wife apply for free school meals for my children because "Child Tax Credit is for people who are responsible for at least one child or qualifying young person. Child Tax Credit is paid direct to the person who is mainly responsible for caring for the child or children."- so she would fit this description and no mention is made of thepatrners(me) circumstances

[louadams6]

The Inland Revenue have taken over the child element of income support naming it Child tax credits!. But if you do claim income support and it all comes from the dwp at the moment then leave it that way as it causes loads of confusion once you swap. It will all change eventually but the Inland Revenue will do this automatically. Child Tax Credit is Not something extra you are allowed to claim. To simplify Child Tax Credits are for unemployed parents claiming income support, Working Tax Credit is for working parents not unemployed ones.