Coming to work in the UK

In this section:

Documents you need before you can work in the UK
Paying UK tax and National Insurance – an introduction
Working for someone else (employed)
Working for yourself (self-employed)
Working in the construction (building) industry
Tax on income and gains outside the UK
Financial help if you are on a low wage or have children
The National Minimum Wage

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Financial help if you are on a low wage or have children

Financial help if you are on a low wage or have children

If you are on a low wage or have children you may be able to get money from the government.

Tax credits

Tax credits are payments from the government. If you're responsible for at least one child or young person who normally lives with you, you may qualify for Child Tax Credit. If you work, but earn low wages, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit.

Find out more about tax credits

For more information on whether you can get tax credits, how much you can get and how to claim, follow the link below.

Tax credits – find out what they are, what you can get, how to claim

Or you can phone the Tax Credits Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900 (+ 44 289 090 8316 from outside the UK) or textphone on Tel 0845 300 3909. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. An interpretation service is available.

Child Benefit

Child Benefit is money paid to people who are bringing up children. The payment can be claimed by anyone who qualifies, whatever their income or savings.

Find out more about Child Benefit

For more information on whether you can get Child Benefit, how much you can get and how to claim, follow the link below.

Child Benefit – find out who can get it and how to claim

Or you can phone the Child Benefit Helpline on Tel 0845 302 1444 (+ 44 161 210 3086 from outside the UK) or textphone on Tel 0845 302 1474. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. An interpretation service is available.

Leaving the UK

You must tell us straight away if you, your partner, your child, children, or all of you leave the UK - your entitlement to tax credits and Child Benefit may be affected.

Contact the Tax Credits Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900 (+ 44 289 090 8316 from outside the UK) or textphone on Tel 0845 300 3909. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. An interpretation service is available.

Contact the Child Benefit Helpline on Tel 0845 302 1444 (+ 44 161 210 3086 from outside the UK) or textphone on Tel 0845 302 1474. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. An interpretation service is available.