Changes to Working Tax Credits

From Good Friday THOUSANDS of low income couples and families across the country will lose nearly 4 thousand pounds a year from their working tax credits.

Couples currently recieve Working Tax Credit if they work at least 16 hours a week, but this will change to 24 hours.

A survey by Usdaw says that 78% of people are unable to find the additional hours they need to avoid losing their working tax credit, because of the high levels of unemployment across the country.

This means low income families could lose over £60 a week if they work less than 24 hours.

Offical figures show that over 800,000 people will be affected and the current difference between those out of work on benefits and those in part time work will be erased by the change.

To find out whether you're entitled to working tax credits and to find out if these changes are going to affect you log on to www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits.