Category: Benefits

Tax credits deadline: 31 July 2020

/ Alan

If you are getting Tax Credits, you have just one week left to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about changes to your circumstances or income before the deadline on 31 July 2020.

If your circumstances have changed in the last year, or you have received a letter to reconfirm their income details, you must contact HMRC. Failure to respond by the deadline may mean you receive incorrect tax credits payments and you may end up having to pay money back.

If you have received an annual review pack or text, and have already made their declaration including confirming their income and circumstances, you don’t need to do anything else. However, you must contact HMRC straight away if you disagree with any of the information in the pack or letter or if you need to tell them about any changes.

You can get help and information on renewing tax credits in different ways:

  • On GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/manage-your-tax-credits. This lets you check the progress of your renewal and be reassured that it is being processed.
  • By using the webchat service – go to GOV.UK and search for ‘tax credits general enquiries’.
  • By tweeting @HMRCcustomers or visiting their Facebook page
  • By using the HMRC App, available via your phone’s app store
  • Using the online forum (click on Tax Credits and You)
  • By calling the tax credits helpline: 0345 300 3900

A word about scams

Customers should be aware that criminals could take advantage of tax credits renewals to text, email or phone the public, offering fake support. These scams mimic HMRC messages in an effort to look genuine. 

If someone texts, emails or calls claiming to be from HMRC, saying that a customer can renew a tax credits award or access financial help, and asks for credit card or bank details, it is likely to be a scam.

Claim Pension Credit now!

/ Alan

At the moment, someone over 65 living in a couple (married or unmarried) can claim Pension Credit regardless of their partners age. However, from 15 May 2019, they will only be able to claim Pension Credit if BOTH partners are over state pension age.

It is estimated that this change could mean people losing out by as much as £7000 a year if they don’t claim before the changes come into effect.

If you are living in a couple, where one of you is at least 65 and the other is under state pension age, then you should make a claim for Pension Credit as soon as possible if you are eligible to do so.

If you already claim Pension Credit you won’t be affected by the change and will continue to get Pension Credit as normal.

Pension Credit is intended to give a minimum level of income to older people. It ‘tops up’ your income to a guaranteed minimum level which is currently:

  • £163 for a single person over pension age, or
  • £248.80 for a couple.
  • You may get an additional amount on top of this if you have modest savings.

Even if you are only entitled to a small amount of Pension Credit, you should still claim. As well as the cash, an award of Pension Credit can also entitle you to a full rebate of your Council tax bill, help with some NHS costs and help with your rent or mortgage.

You have nothing to lose by applying, but potentially a lot to gain.

If you miss the deadline to apply for pension credit under the current rules, or you become eligible for pension credit on or after 15 May but your partner won’t have reached the qualifying age, then you will need to apply for Universal Credit.

You can contact us for advice or visit AgeUK for more information about how to claim. AgeUK can also help you with an online benefit check to help ensure you are receiving your correct entitlement.