WTC query

Gemmzie

My dad's been unwell and it has left him with a disability that will (should!) qualify him for low rate DLA.

He's 52 and although he's gone back to work for now, he can't work the hours he did previously and is struggling. Would he be eligible for WTC if he worked 16-29 hours? Is there an additional rate (until they pull it in April)?

Icequeen99

If he gets DLA then he may qualify for the disability element (if he also passes the test for being at a disadvantage in getting a job) and therefore will only need to work at least 16 hours. This should be continuing from April 2012 (there hasn't been an announcement that they plan to take it away and I think that very unlikely).

They are removing the 50+ element, but that was only payable for 12 months. To get it he needs to have been receiving certain benefits for the last 6 months. The list is here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits/start/who-qualifies/workingtaxcredit/over50s.htm

He would get it from now until April, but then after that he would need to work at least 30 hours (unless he qualifies for the disability element or is responsible for any children).

IQ