Topic 5 State Benefits & HMRC Tax Credits Flashcards
What is universal credit?
A means tested benefit for people of working age.
What is the upper age limit for Universal Credit?
At the point where people qualify for Pension Credit.
Which benefits are NOT included within Universal Credit?
- Carer’s allowance
- Contribution-based Job Seekers Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Child Benefit
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
- Maternity Allownace
- Attendance Allowance
What is Working Tax Credit?
WTC is designed to top up the income of those on low-incomes (employed or self-employed).
What is Income Support?
Tax-free benefit Between 16 - Pension age Income below a certain level Working 16 hours or less per week Not dependent on NICs Is means-tested on incomes and savings
What is Job-Seeker’s Allowance?
A benefit for unemployed OR working less than 16 hours per week AND are actively seeking work.
What are the two types of Job Seeker’s Allowance?
Contribution based JSA
Income based JSA
What is the Support for Mortgage Interest Loan? (SMI)
SMI is a loan that must be repaid.
For those in receipt of Income support, JSA, Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
SMI loan is a second charge on the mortgage and subject to interest.
What is Statutory Maternity Pay? (SMP)
SMP is received from employer if:
- they’ve been working for employer for 26 weeks prior to due date
- average weekly earnings are above a certain threshold
How long is SMP payable for?
39 weeks
What is the earliest & latest SMP can begin & end?
11 weeks before due date
The day the baby is born
Is SMP taxable?
Yes and NICs are due on the amount paid.
What is Maternity Allowance?
For those who cannot claim SMP, Maternity Allowance is paid by the DWP (Department for Work & Pensions)
It is paid at a lower rate than SMP
It is NOT taxable
Paid for 39 weeks
What is Child Benefit?
Tax -free benefit
For parents & those responsible for bringing up a child
Not dependent on NICs
Not affected by receipt of other benefits
Available for every child under 16
How long can Child Benefit continue for?
Up to the age of 19 if the child is still in full-time education