â€œClaim the tax credits youâ€™re dueâ€, says Michael Connarty MP

On Sunday 6 April the rates of tax credits are increased and Michael Connarty MP is encouraging local low-paid workers to claim, even if they donâ€™t have children.

The Government has raised the earnings threshold for working tax credit, which means that many more workers in East Falkirk and West Lothian could qualify for extra cash.

Michael said:

“This is good news, so it is important that everyone in West Lothian and East Falkirk gets the money they are entitled to. Claiming is easy – you can do it online or over the phone. The main thing is that you do it straight away, as your claim dates from the time that you call or claim online, so the earlier you do this, the more you can claim.”

John Hannett, the General Secretary for Usdaw, the shopworkers’ union, added:

“Working tax credit has been available to people without children for several years, and Usdaw has helped many of our members in West Lothian and East Falkirk to claim. We are pleased that the Government has now extended tax credits to include many shopworkers without children who work a standard week, and may now be able to claim tax credits for the first time.

“I am concerned that 80% of people who qualify for this support are not aware of it. Claiming tax credits means that they will be able to enjoy a better standard of living.”

Workers without children can qualify for Working Tax Credit if they:

• are over 25 years old

• work at least 30 hours a week

• are on an income below:

o £12,740 a year (£245 a week) if single

o £17,160 a year (£330 a week) joint income if in a couple.

Workers with children can also claim if one parent works for at least 16 hours a week and the household income is less than:

• £438 a week (£22,800 a year) if you have one child

• £541 a week (£28,150 a year) if you have two children

• £644 a week (£33,500 a year) if you have three children.

Michael Connarty MP added:

“If you think you could qualify, call the helpline straight away on 0845 300 3900 or claim online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.”