Can i claim child tax credit benefit?

You may be eligible for Child Tax Credit if you have a newborn or are responsible for any children under the age of 16, or under 20 if they are in full time education. If you are not the child’s biological parent then you can still claim Child Tax Credit if you are responsible for the child’s welfare. Examples when you may be able to claim credits is if the child usually lives with you or you pay for their meals and give them pocket money. What about if I have adopted a child or am a foster parent? You are still able to claim Child Tax Credit benefits so long as you are not getting any funding from your local authority or Health and Social Services Board. Under tax credit rules, only one household is able to claim tax credits for a single child. If the child under your care lives between homes then you must decide which person claims for the benefits. You may also be eligible for Child Tax Credit even if your child lives outside of the UK. Generally speaking you will able to claim if the child normal lives with you, but spends time abroad studying or you come from a country within the European Economic Area and are working in the UK. Click the Official Government Link to find out more: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCreditsandChildBenefit/TaxCredits/Gettingstarted/whoqualifies/Childrenandtaxcredits/DG_172851 Or alternatively contact the Tax Credit helpline: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/DG_10011368