Tax credits have been replaced by Universal Credit for most people. You can only make a new claim for tax credits if you:

• get the severe disability premium (external link), or are entitled to it 

• got or were entitled to the severe disability premium in the last month, and you are still eligible for it 

If you cannot make a new claim for tax credits, you may be able to apply for Universal Credit (external link) (or Pension Credit (external link) if you and your partner are State Pension age or over). 

Start your claim 

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to make a new claim. 

You will be asked for some information and given an estimate of how much you will get. You may be asked for: 

• your National Insurance number (if you have one) 

• your income (external link) for the last tax year 

• details of any benefits you get (external link) 

• details of any childcare payments 

• the number of hours you work per week 

HM Revenue and Customs 

Telephone: 0345 300 3900 

Textphone: 0345 300 3909 

Outside UK: +44 2890 538 192 

Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm 

Saturday, 8am to 4pm 

Closed Sunday 

You could be fined up to £3,000 if you give wrong information. 

Get help with your application

You can get help from HMRC (external link), or your benefits office (external link).

Someone else can call HMRC to get general advice on your behalf, but they will need to apply for authorisation (external link) to discuss your claim. If you want them to manage your payments, they will have to become an ‘appointee’ (external link).