4. Awards of child tax credit

Tax credit awards are based on your income as it was in the previous tax year. Bear in mind that HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) requires your income for a tax year, April to April, even though your student award may run from September.

Contacting HM Revenue and Customs

You can report changes of circumstances or make enquiries to the Tax Credit Helpline on 0345 300 3900 (textphone 0345 300 3909) between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday (this is a temporary hours change due to coronavirus. You can also report a change online at gov.uk/changes-affect-tax-credits.

Your award runs until the end of the tax year, at which point you are sent a renewal form. Your award can change or end during the year. Tell HMRC about changes in your circumstances. You should also tell HMRC if you expect your income that counts for tax credits to decrease by more than £2,500 in the current tax year, or if you expect it to increase by more than £2,500.

Tax credits are paid directly into a bank account.