Strike Action (Info)

A claimant may inform you that they are on strike, or due to go on strike. This guidance covers the situation where a claimant has

• Been on strike for more than ten consecutive days
   
• Been on strike for ten consecutive days or less
   
• Returned to work after strike action

Where a claimant informs you that they have been on strike, you must consider that they may still be entitled to tax credits

For example, there may still be entitlement where

• The claimant has more than one job

Or

• The claimant’s partner is in paid work

Or

• There are children included in the claim

When a claimant informs us that they have returned to work after being on strike for more than ten consecutive days, you must check that the claim has not already ceased by checking Function VIEW APPLICATION. If the claim has ceased, a new claim should be invited.

Consider whether the change to the weekly hours will increase or decrease the maximum tax credits award (before any income reduction is applied)

• An increase occurs when the claimant is

• Responsible for at least one child and the total weekly hours increases from below 16 hours to 16 hours or more. There is no other job that qualifies the family for Working Tax Credit (WTC)
   
• Responsible for at least one child and the total weekly hours for both claimants increased from below 30 hours to 30 hours or more

Or

• Not responsible for any children and the total weekly hours increase the weekly hours of a claimant from below 30 hours to 30 hours or more

• A decrease occurs when the claimant is

• Responsible for at least one child and the total weekly hours decrease from 16 hours or more to below 16 hours. There is no other job that qualifies the family for Working Tax Credit (WTC)
   
• Responsible for at least one child and the total weekly hours for both claimants decreased from 30 hours or more to below 30 hours

Or

• Not responsible for any children and the total weekly hours decrease the weekly hours of a claimant from 30 hours or more to below 30 hours

Note: Where the 50+ Start Date signal is present, you must let the signal continue. Do not enter a 50+ End Date until further notice