How much do you have to make to claim the child tax credit?

How long does a child tax credit claim take?

• My child tax credit claim ended on 18th jan 2011 as my partner moved in and we had to make a joint claim. My form was sent back to them on 28th jan and I have rang them today and told it is being processed and I could have to wait another 3 weeks for any money. My partner is unable to work at present as he had a serious accident and we have 6 children, one of which is a baby. Originally we were told that we could have the claim fast tracked and apply for a hardship payment, now they are saying neither of these options exist. We are struggling badly now, my partner gets £300 a fortnight that has to pay the food and bills and it isnt stretching. My child benefit pays the weekly bills but that leaves us with no money. Is there any way I can get the tax credits to speed things up, and how long does it usually take for the first payment to be made?

• Answer:

  Normally a claim takes up to three weeks but it can take allot longer if they need to do checks or require further information.As far as i'm aware there is no way to speed up an application as you can only talk to the call centre and not the people who do the forms.The call centre can send emails to the processing centre but i doubt they would fast track it.Hardship payments are available but there is strict criteria and it is not the call centres decision.They give you number to the payment team for them to decide.This is a recent thing so your adviser may not have known. I would ring back up and ask what the hold up is and request a callback from the payment team.Hope you get paid soon