Child Tax Credit Now Available For Children Looked After By Family
Child Tax Credit Exemption for Looked After Child within family: Exceptions to the Child Tax Credit rule have just been announced today by Secretary of State Esther McVey .
The controversial decision to limit support to a maximum of two children per family, has been a tough one for many. Those who look after children from other family members rather than the child going into Local Authority care have found this especially difficult.
The two-child cap was introduced ‘to ensure parents in receipt of benefits face the same choices as those supporting themselves solely through work’. But those looking after children for other family members who are unable to do so have found themselves in a difficult financial situation when it comes to having their own children.
Now, a number of exceptions have been made to help support children through universal credit and tax credit who were previously not eligible for help.
Families with a multiple birth, adoption or looking after a family member’s child rather than them being taken into care will be able to claim to benefit.
Secretary of State Esther McVey said: “I have been reviewing this issue carefully since becoming Secretary of State a few months ago.
“Adoptive parents and non-parental carers, known as ‘kinship carers’, have often stepped in to help a family member or close friend in times of need. They have provided support and provided a home for a child in need. It is therefore right that Government supports them in doing so. That is why today I am extending the existing support for children and families in these circumstances.
“The role these parents play in helping to bring up these children is invaluable, and I want to reassure such parents that this change ensures support will be made available to you, and this government is backing you.
“Universal Credit is a brand new benefit, that is flexible and responsive, so as we begin to deliver it across the country we are taking a test and learn approach, and if need be, adapting where necessary. This is precisely what we have done here to make sure there is support given where it is needed most.
“The government welcomed last week’s High Court judgment that overall the policy to provide support for a maximum of 2 children was lawful, and said it was carefully considering it. This change goes further than the court’s judgement to include adopted children as well as children who are in non-parental caring arrangements.”
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