Working tax credit and free dental treatment

Alh9573

What is catching people out is this, people above are correct the rule has always been tax credits and earn under around 15k. But what has been kept very quiet is the 5k disregard has been reduced to 2k meaning loads of people who earn between 15 and 20k and have always qualified, this year don't. It's a complete disgrace that no one knew about this, it's been done to make money from fines. People will say, well u should check your card is in date, thing is cards take 6 weeks to arrive after old one expires and if you have always got one for 15 years, why would you even question it. Letters should of been sent to claimants to make then aware, and watch out next year because the 2k disregard is being scrapped

[Deleted User]

What does the 2k disregard mean?

mcculloch29

I believe it means that you do not have to report a change in income of under £2000 to DWP with regard to WTC and are still entitled to benefits. The amount used to be £5000.

User26

I get WTC and filled in an HC1 form (from jobcentre or hospital) and got back an A4 size paper HC2 Certificate, -for full help with health costs as i'm only on £6k/yr. I get free dental treatment and prescriptions and can claim back travel costs. So you need to investigate further. By the way, it's based on what you EARN compared with OUTGOINGS (what you need to live on), including council tax and mortgage payments etc.

pmduk

OP As the previous poster suggests apply for the HC2, if you get one, you know you're on safe ground for future treatment.

sheramber

Alh9573 wrote: »

What is catching people out is this, people above are correct the rule has always been tax credits and earn under around 15k. But what has been kept very quiet is the 5k disregard has been reduced to 2k meaning loads of people who earn between 15 and 20k and have always qualified, this year don't. It's a complete disgrace that no one knew about this, it's been done to make money from fines. People will say, well u should check your card is in date, thing is cards take 6 weeks to arrive after old one expires and if you have always got one for 15 years, why would you even question it. Letters should of been sent to claimants to make then aware, and watch out next year because the 2k disregard is being scrapped

The disregard changed to £2500 in April 2016 so not new.