Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)
Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) was introduced on 4th
October 1999 to replace Family Credit and provide financial help to
working parents.
In order to qualify for WFTC a person must:
- be working at least 16 hours per week
- be responsible for at least one child under 16, or under 19 and
still in full time education
- be on a low or middle income
- have savings of under £8,000
Once a claim for WFTC has been assessed, it will be paid at
the same rate for 6 months regardless of any change in
circumstances. Initially it will be paid by order book or into a
bank account, but from April 2000, it will be paid to employees
with their wages or salary.
WFTC is more generous than family credit:
- more people will be eligible
- higher levels of benefit are likely to be granted
- there is more help towards childcare costs
- maintenance payments are disregarded in full
If you think you may be entitled to WFTC, it is worth applying
even if you have been turned down for Family Credit in the past.
People who are already receiving Family Credit will continue to
receive it until their claim expires.
They will then be sent a form to apply for WFTC instead.
To get an application form for WFTC ask at your local Benefits
Agency or Jobcentre, or phone 0845 609 5000.