Working Tax Credit Calculator
Estimate your potential UK Working Tax Credit entitlement based on your income, working hours, and childcare costs.
Estimate Your Tax Credits
Enter your household details below to instantly see an illustrative breakdown of your potential Working Tax Credit entitlement, including basic, 30-hour, and childcare elements.
Working Tax Credit Estimator
Get an instant breakdown of your potential entitlement.
Understanding Tax Credits
Key concepts for accurate estimation and eligibility
The Basic Element
This is the foundational amount available to eligible workers. You must work a minimum number of hours (usually 16 or 30, depending on your circumstances) to qualify.
The 30-Hour Element
An additional top-up for working families where at least one adult works 30 or more hours per week. For couples, combined hours must reach 30, with one partner working at least 16.
Childcare Costs
HMRC may pay up to 70% of your eligible childcare costs, up to a maximum weekly limit of £175 for one child, or £300 for two or more children.
Income Taper
Your maximum entitlement is reduced by 41p for every £1 of annual household income that exceeds the income threshold (currently £6,420).
Tax Credit Elements
A breakdown of the maximum annual amounts for each Working Tax Credit element. (Figures are approximate and based on recent tax year rates).
| Element | Description | Max Annual Amount (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Element | £2,020 | |
| Couple / Lone Parent Element | £2,020 | |
| 30-Hour Work Element | £830 | |
| Childcare Element (1 child) | Up to £6,370 (70% of max £175/wk) | |
| Childcare Element (2+ children) | Up to £10,920 (70% of max £300/wk) | |
| Disability Element | £3,315 | |
| Severe Disability Element | £1,365 |
Tax Credit FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Working Tax Credit eligibility, calculations, and the transition to Universal Credit.
Working Tax Credit is a UK government payment designed to top up the earnings of low-income workers, whether they are employed or self-employed. It may also include a childcare element to help with registered childcare costs.
No. Working Tax Credit has been replaced by Universal Credit for most new claimants. You can only make a new claim for Tax Credits if you are already receiving them and have a change in circumstances that qualifies as a ‘severe disability’ or you are getting the severe disability premium. Otherwise, you must apply for Universal Credit.
HMRC calculates Working Tax Credit by adding up the maximum entitlement for all the elements you qualify for (e.g., basic, 30-hour, childcare, lone parent). They then reduce this amount by 41p for every £1 of your annual income that is over the current income threshold.
The 30-hour element is an additional payment for working families where at least one adult works 30 or more hours per week. For couples, the combined hours must be at least 30, with one partner working at least 16 hours.
If you pay for registered or approved childcare, you can claim the childcare element of Working Tax Credit. HMRC will pay up to 70% of your eligible costs, up to a maximum of £175 per week for one child, or £300 per week for two or more children.