Benefits Robin

Child Tax Credit

Child Tax Credit is a legacy benefit that provides extra money for families with children. It is based on your household income and the number of children you have. Child Tax Credit has been replaced by Universal Credit for most new claimants, but millions of families continue to receive it.

Child Tax Credit is made up of a family element and a child element for each qualifying child. The amounts reduce as your income increases above a threshold. Additional elements may be added if your child has a disability or severe disability. The benefit is administered by HMRC (not the DWP) and is renewed annually.

If you are already receiving Child Tax Credit, you can continue to do so until you are migrated to Universal Credit through the managed migration process. During this transition, transitional protection means you should not receive less than you were getting under the old system. A change in your circumstances (such as a new partner moving in or a significant income change) may trigger a move to Universal Credit sooner.

For new claims, families should apply for Universal Credit instead, which includes a child element that serves a similar purpose. If you receive Child Tax Credit with a household income below £16,190 per year, your children may also qualify for Free School Meals.

Maximum amount

Varies

Means-tested

Yes

Age group

Any age

Key Requirements

  • 1Responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 in education)
  • 2Household income below the threshold
  • 3Legacy benefit — new claims usually via Universal Credit

Related Benefits

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

Child Benefit

Universal payment for anyone responsible for a child.

£25.60/wk (first child)

Free School Meals

Free meals during term time for children of families on low income.

Up to £15/wk per child

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still claim Child Tax Credit?
New claims for Child Tax Credit are generally no longer accepted. Families needing financial support for children should claim Universal Credit instead. If you already receive Child Tax Credit, you can continue until the DWP migrates you to Universal Credit.
How much is Child Tax Credit worth?
The amount depends on your income and the number of children. The child element is up to £3,455 per child per year. Additional amounts apply for disabled children. As your income increases above the threshold, the amount reduces gradually.
What happens when I move to Universal Credit?
During managed migration, transitional protection ensures you do not receive less than you were getting on Child Tax Credit plus any other legacy benefits. Your circumstances are reassessed under Universal Credit rules, and any shortfall is covered by a transitional element.
Does Child Tax Credit affect other benefits?
Receiving Child Tax Credit with a household income below £16,190/year can qualify your children for Free School Meals and your family for Healthy Start vouchers. It does not affect Disability Living Allowance, Child Benefit, or other non-means-tested benefits.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.