Advice for families with disabled children

From April 2012 most couples will only be eligible for Working Tax Credit if they work 24 rather than the current 16 hours a week. In order to satisfy the new rules one partner can work 24 hours or more, or a couple can share the hours - just as long as one partner works at least 16 hours. This could mean that parents with a disabled child who are unable to increase their working hours – because of their substantial caring duties for example – could lose up to £74 per week.

Those parents unable to increase their working hours may also need advice about how higher earnings will impact on other benefits. In some cases, increasing your working hours could also mean losing out in Carer’s allowance of £55 a week.

Families with disabled children face enormous financial challenges and are more likely to be living in poverty than other families. That’s why it’s important to get advice. If you are the parent of a disabled child who currently works between 16 and 23 hours a week and are unsure about whether you will be affected by Working Tax Credit changes please call Contact a Family’s helpline on 0808 808 3555 where benefits and tax credit experts can explain how this

Frances Murphy

Manager, Contact a Family Northern Ireland

Bridge Community Centre, 50 Railway Street, Lisburn