Tax Credits: How to claim
To be entitled to tax credits you must claim them. There is no entitlement without a claim.
HMRC state that it is no longer possible for anyone to make a brand new claim for tax credits. The only exception to this is for a some people who are granted refugee status. See our who can claim page for more information.
Prior to 2019, claims were made via a paper claim form. In January 2019, HMRC stopped issuing paper claim forms but continued to accept telephone claims from the limited groups still able to claim tax credits from that date. The paper claim form was called the TC600. Accompanying the form were detailed notes. You can see the 2018 version of the notes, which include a sample of the most recent form, in our forms, notices and checklists section.
It is possible asylum seekers who are subsequently granted refugee status who wish to rely on the recent case law in this area, may wish to make a new tax credit claim. At present, there is no official mechanism for such claims to be made. Those granted refugee status who believe they may be able to make a new claim for tax credits should contact HMRC tax credits helpline as soon as possible following the grant of refugee status for advice on what steps to take. A note should be made of the date, time and adviser’s name.
Last reviewed/updated 18 June 2024