How to update your tax credit claim
When to update
You can only make a claim for Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit if you already get either of these tax credits.
Update your claim as soon as your circumstances change so you get all the money you’re entitled to.
You can do this at any time of year.
If you know your income will go down
Update your claim straight away if you know your income will drop to a level that means you’ll be eligible for another tax credit.
For example, you could make a claim now if you found out your income is going to drop in 6 months’ time.
The income levels for Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are different.
Usually, tax credits are backdated by up to 31 days from the start of your claim.