Child Tax credits - Disabled child element

Tax credits are a relatively new scheme designed to ease the financial burdens on families in the UK. The system is designed so that some of the taxes paid by a family may be paid back to the person responsible for care of the children in the family.  Although the scheme is based on a calculation which means that the higher your salary or income the lower the amound of tax credits paid, it is worth applying as only those on high salaries over £58,175 (correct at July 2006) will not receive any benefit. 

For each disabled child in the family, the total amount of possible tax credit available is increased, more so if the child is on the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance.  The amount actually paid will still be reduced for those on high salaries but for most families with disabled children this can form quite a substantial benefit.  The amount paid will also be affected by childcare costs you may have.

Find Out More
For further information on whether you are elegible and what the size of award might be, see HM Revenue and Customs Tax Credits Online.

For a useful guide to the application process, see DirectGov - Claiming tax credits.Further useful information is available on theDirectGov Child Tax Credits Factsheet.