Toolkit

Reference materials: Tax credits 'Inside track'

Passporting and interactions with other benefits

4 week run-on: Representatives asked to see a copy of the letter sent to claimants when they are eligible for the 4 week run-on of Working Tax Credit. Representatives on the whole felt the letter was confusing and badly worded and that changes should be made. Several representatives sent comments regarding the letter.

Representatives queried whether a new claim for WTC can be made during the 4 week run on. HMRC confirmed that they can accept a new claim at that time. Representatives also sought clarification of the position for free school meals during the 4 week run-on. HMRC confirmed that there is entitlement to free school meals during that period (providing other criteria is met).

[Victoria Todd, LITRG, response 14 February 2008]

DWP fast track portal: TCCG confirmed at the July consultation group meeting that the DWP portal had closed and that DWP staff had reverted to using paper based methods of passing on information. The portal will be closed indefinitely.

[Victoria Todd, LITRG, response 10 Oct 2007]

Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG): Representatives requested that SSMG criteria is made clear in the guidance for the helpline. Particularly, claimants need to know that getting an award based on current year income may lead to entitlement to SSMG that an initial would not have done.

[David Strickland, LGA, sent 12 July 2007]