If you are searching for How to Claim Working Tax Credit, it is important to understand that the benefit system has changed significantly in recent years.
Working Tax Credit was designed to support people on low incomes who were working a certain number of hours each week. However, most new claims for Working Tax Credit have now been replaced by Universal Credit.
Despite this change, some people are still receiving Working Tax Credit payments in 2026. Understanding whether you can make a claim, whether you should move to Universal Credit, and what support may still be available can help you maximise your household income.
This guide explains everything you need to know about claiming Working Tax Credit in 2026, including eligibility rules, payment amounts, application processes, common mistakes and alternative support available.
In most cases, you cannot make a new claim for Working Tax Credit in 2026 because the benefit has been replaced by Universal Credit for new applicants.
You may still receive Working Tax Credit if you have an existing claim that has not yet transferred to Universal Credit. If you need to make a new claim for financial support, you will usually need to apply for Universal Credit instead.
People who currently receive Working Tax Credit should continue reporting changes in circumstances until instructed to move to Universal Credit.
Working Tax Credit is a means tested benefit that was created to help people on lower incomes who are in paid employment.
The benefit was designed to top up earnings and provide extra financial support for workers who met certain income and working hour requirements.
Working Tax Credit could include additional elements for:
Although new claims have largely ended, existing claimants may still receive support during the final stages of migration to Universal Credit.
| Purpose | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Income Support | Helps workers on low incomes |
| Encourage Employment | Makes work financially worthwhile |
| Disability Support | Extra help for disabled workers |
| Childcare Assistance | Helps with approved childcare costs |
For most people, the answer is no.
The Government has replaced Working Tax Credit with Universal Credit for new applications.
However, you may still be receiving Working Tax Credit if:
| Situation | Can You Claim? |
|---|---|
| Existing Working Tax Credit claimant | Usually Yes |
| New claimant | Usually No |
| Recently unemployed | Universal Credit |
| New low income worker | Universal Credit |
| Self employed person needing support | Universal Credit |
If you already receive Working Tax Credit, you must continue meeting the relevant conditions.
Historically these included:
You generally needed to:
You generally needed to work a minimum number of hours.
Examples included:
| Situation | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|
| Single person aged 25+ | 30 hours |
| Lone parent | 16 hours |
| Disabled worker | 16 hours |
| Couple with children | Usually 24 hours combined |
You generally needed to:
Working Tax Credit is income related.
The amount received depends on:
As income increases, awards are reduced gradually.
| Income Source | Usually Counted |
|---|---|
| Employment earnings | Yes |
| Self employment income | Yes |
| Pension income | Yes |
| Investment income | Often Yes |
| Partner earnings | Yes |
Higher household income generally leads to lower tax credit payments.
Unlike Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit does not have a strict savings limit in the same way.
However, income generated from savings may affect your entitlement.
Examples include:
Many people moving from Tax Credits to Universal Credit are surprised to learn that Universal Credit includes capital limits.
| Benefit | Savings Limit |
|---|---|
| Working Tax Credit | No strict capital limit |
| Universal Credit | £16,000 maximum in most cases |
This difference can be important when planning a move to Universal Credit.
The amount varies significantly depending on your circumstances.
Payments depend on:
There is no single payment amount because every award is individually calculated.
| Household Situation | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|
| Single worker with low income | Basic Working Tax Credit |
| Disabled worker | Higher award |
| Family with childcare costs | Additional support |
| Higher earning household | Reduced award |
Existing claimants should review annual award notices to understand their specific entitlement.
For most people, new applications are no longer available.
If you need financial support today, you will usually need to apply for Universal Credit.
If you already receive Working Tax Credit:
If you need support and do not already receive Working Tax Credit:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| New Working Tax Credit claim? | Usually No |
| Existing claim continues? | Usually Yes |
| Alternative benefit? | Universal Credit |
You may need:
Having documents ready can speed up the process considerably.
Many overpayments and entitlement problems arise from incorrect information.
Always report:
Migration notices and review requests should never be ignored.
Using inaccurate income information can lead to:
The transition to Universal Credit continues.
Claimants should prepare for migration when contacted.
Sarah works 32 hours each week and receives Working Tax Credit.
She receives a Migration Notice.
Outcome:
She must apply for Universal Credit by the deadline provided.
David receives Working Tax Credit and reduces his working hours.
Outcome:
He should report the change immediately because it may affect entitlement.
Maria starts earning significantly more income.
Outcome:
Her award may reduce and should be updated accordingly.
James receives Working Tax Credit and moves address.
Outcome:
He must report the change to avoid administration issues.
Generally no. Most new applicants must apply for Universal Credit.
Working Tax Credit is being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit.
Yes, some existing claimants may still receive payments until migration occurs.
Not necessarily. Transitional protection may apply in certain circumstances.
Yes. Universal Credit may provide support for eligible self employed workers.
You should report changes as soon as possible.
Yes. Changes in working hours can affect entitlement.
Generally no.
You should contact the relevant department immediately for advice.
Yes. You can usually request a mandatory reconsideration and potentially appeal.
Yes. Childcare support may be available through Universal Credit.
Yes. Additional support may be available depending on circumstances.
Many people searching for How to Claim Working Tax Credit may also qualify for other support.
The main replacement for Working Tax Credit.
Financial support for people responsible for children.
Support for people with long term health conditions or disabilities.
Support for certain people with health conditions.
Support for people providing substantial care.
Help with council tax bills.
Support for eligible families with young children.
Available for eligible households.
Always check official Government information before making benefit decisions.
Useful resources include:
This article has been reviewed against current UK Government guidance relating to Tax Credits, Universal Credit migration and benefit entitlement rules available in 2026.
Benefit rules can change. Individual circumstances may affect entitlement and payment amounts.
For the most accurate information, always consult official Government guidance and seek professional welfare advice where necessary.
Understanding How to Claim Working Tax Credit in 2026 is important because the benefits system has changed significantly.
For most people, new claims for Working Tax Credit are no longer possible because Universal Credit has replaced it. However, some existing claimants continue to receive payments while the final stages of migration take place.
If you currently receive Working Tax Credit, ensure you report changes promptly, respond to official correspondence and prepare for any future move to Universal Credit. If you need to make a new claim for financial support, Universal Credit will usually be the appropriate route.
Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.
Information on this site is based on official UK guidance.
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