In this section:
- New baby - what tax credits are you entitled to?
- Tax credits when your partner leaves or a new partner moves in
- Your child reaches 16 - are you still entitled to tax credits?
- Tax credits if you or a member of the family goes into hospital
- Tax credits if you or a member of the family goes into custody
Tax credits if you or a member of the family goes into hospital
If someone in your family is ill or goes into hospital, it doesn't usually affect your tax credits.
If you or your partner goes into hospital
If you're claiming Working Tax Credit and you or your partner is ill or in hospital for up to 28 weeks your tax credits won't change as long as you are getting one of the following:
- Statutory Sick Pay
- short term Incapacity Benefit at the lower rate
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity for work
- National Insurance credits on the grounds of incapacity for work, or limited capability for work (how your illness or disability affects the amount and type of work you can do).
This applies to employees and self-employed people.
If you or your partner is ill or in hospital for more than 28 weeks you should tell us as soon as possible. Even if your Working Tax Credit stops, you may get other benefits. Your Child Tax Credit should remain the same.
If your child goes into hospital
As long as you are still responsible for your child, you will still get Child Tax Credit, and you don't need to tell us about them being in hospital. If your income goes down you should tell us as soon as possible because you might be entitled to more money.
If your child develops a long-term illness or disability
You may be entitled to more tax credits if your child becomes disabled. If you make a claim for Disability Living Allowance for your child you should tell us straight away to make sure you get all the money you're entitled to.
Get information about tax credits and children with disabilities
Help with healthcare costs
If you get tax credits and someone in your family goes into hospital, you might be able to get help with the cost of healthcare and travel.
Find out about getting help with health costs on the Directgov website
Contact us
You can contact our Tax Credit Helpline on Tel 0845 300 3900 or textphone 0845 300 3909 (open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, seven days a week except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day).
