Return to Work Credit

Who is it for?
People who have been claiming benefits due to ill-health for 13 weeks or more who are returning to work of 16 or more hours per week, for at least 5 weeks.

Who pays it?
Job Centre Plus

Which leaflet? And how is it claimed?
Via Job Centre

What are the age limits?
16 or over and up to pension age

National Insurance based?
No.

Means tested?
No but job or self-employment must pay less than £15,000 per year.

How long does it last?
Maximum of 52 weeks

What is effect on other benefits?
Ignored as income when calculating HB and CTB and tax credits. .

Is it taxable?
No.

Increases for dependants?
No

Payable if in EU or other?
No

Points to watch
Separate to Working Tax Credit, which may also be payable to a low-paid worker. Not payable to other ‘returners to work’ e.g. unemployed, carers or lone parents.

You can view details of benefit amounts on the Community Care Inform website

The A-Z of Benefits 2009 was compiled by Gary Vaux and Community Care Inform