Benefits and Work

Full-time employment

Working Tax Credit is paid to the person who is working 16 hours or more a week. Couples, if either of you are working 16 hours or more a week, must choose which one of you will receive it. You cannot receive Working Tax Credit if you are not working.

As part of Working Tax Credit you may qualify for help towards the costs of childcare. The amount of tax credits you receive will depend on your annual income.

You can still claim Disability Living Allowance (see previous page)

You can claim Job Grant if you take up full-time work (at least 16 hours a week). You must also have been claiming certain benefits for at least 26 weeks before starting your new job; these include Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance (you can no longer make new claims for this benefit).

Blind person's allowance allows you to receive an amount of income without having to pay tax. It is an extra amount, which is added to your personal allowance. The amount of the blind person's allowance is the same for everyone who can claim it, whatever their age or their level of income. In 2005-2006 the amount is £1,610.

It is possible to claim Council Tax Benefit is you are on a low income and you pay rent.