323,700 tax credits customers have 1 month left to renew

The HMRC is reminding them to do so by 31 July – or their payments will stop.

Customers can renew their tax credits for free via GOV.UK or the HMRC app.

Customers can log into GOV.UK to check on the progress of their renewal, be reassured it’s being processed and know when they’ll hear back from HMRC.

Customers choosing to use the HMRC app on their smartphone can:

• Renew their tax credits.
• Make changes to their claim.
• Check their tax credits payments schedule.
• Find out how much they have earned for the year.

If there is a change in a customer’s circumstances that could affect their tax credits claims, they must report the changes to HMRC. Circumstances that could affect tax credits payments include changes to:

• Living arrangements
• Childcare
• Working hours
• Income (increase or decrease)

The UK government has recently announced a Cost-of-Living Payment of £650, payable in two separate lump sums of £326 and £324, for households receiving certain benefits or tax credits, to help with the cost of living. If tax credits only, they are eligible for each payment. HMRC will contact them and issue payments automatically, with the first being made by autumn. Customers do not need to contact HMRC or apply for the payment.

More information on the Cost-of-Living Payment, including eligibility, is available on GOV.UK

Tax credits are ending and will be replaced by Universal Credit by the end of 2024. Many customers who move from tax credits to Universal Credit could be financially better off and can use an independent benefits calculator to check. If customers choose to apply sooner, it is important to get independent advice beforehand as they will not be able to go back to tax credits or any other benefits that Universal Credit replaces.