What does the Tax Credits Calculator (Legacy) do?

Calculate Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for existing claimants. Includes childcare element. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.

Are benefit amounts accurate?

This calculator uses the published 2025/26 benefit rates. However, actual entitlements depend on a full assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and may differ from estimates.

How do I claim this benefit?

You can apply for most benefits through GOV.UK or your local Jobcentre Plus. Some benefits require an online application; others may require a phone call or paper form.

Tax Credits Calculator (Legacy)

Calculate Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for existing claimants. Includes childcare element.

Last updated: April 2026 · Source: GOV.UK — Tax Credits

Hours/Week

Children

Annual Income

Weekly Childcare (£)

Couple (both working 16+ hours)

Estimated Annual Award

£10,236.55

£853.05/month · £196.86/week

Working Tax Credit	£3,450.00
Child Tax Credit	£8,290.00
Childcare Element (70%)	£3,640.00
Maximum Award	£15,380.00
Income Taper (41%)	-£5,143.45
Your Award	£10,236.55

Tax Credits are being replaced by Universal Credit. You can't make a new claim — this is for existing claimants only. If your circumstances change, you'll be moved to UC.

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

How It Works

Tax Credits are legacy benefits being replaced by Universal Credit, but existing claimants can still receive Working Tax Credit (WTC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). WTC is for people working a certain number of hours per week: at least 16 hours if you have a disability or are a single parent, or 30 hours otherwise. The basic element for 2025/26 is £2,435 per year.

Child Tax Credit provides up to £3,455 per child (the child element) plus a family element of £545. Entitlement is reduced by 41% of household income above the threshold of £7,455 for those receiving both WTC and CTC, or £19,995 for CTC-only claimants.

New claims for Tax Credits are no longer accepted in most areas. Existing claimants will be migrated to Universal Credit by the end of 2025/26. If you receive a migration notice, you may be eligible for transitional protection to ensure your income does not drop.

Example: Couple, 2 children, £25,000 income, 35 hours/week

WTC basic element: £2,435
WTC couples element: £2,500
CTC child elements: 2 x £3,455 = £6,910
Maximum entitlement: £11,845
Income taper: (£25,000 - £7,455) x 41% = -£7,193.45
Estimated annual award: £4,651.55

Source: GOV.UK — Tax Credits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Tax Credits Calculator (Legacy) do?: Calculate Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for existing claimants. Includes childcare element. All calculations are performed in your browser using official UK rates and thresholds.
Are benefit amounts accurate?: This calculator uses the published 2025/26 benefit rates. However, actual entitlements depend on a full assessment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and may differ from estimates.
How do I claim this benefit?: You can apply for most benefits through GOV.UK or your local Jobcentre Plus. Some benefits require an online application; others may require a phone call or paper form.