Working people on low wages and without children have been urged to look closely at their incomes as they may be missing out on financial help, Treasury Minister Jane Kennedy said today.

The Working Tax Credit provides added financial support for workers on a low income. It is designed to help make work an attractive prospect for people who might otherwise be dependent on benefits, and to give an additional cash boost to those people in work who need some extra help.

Working Tax Credit tops up earnings so that a single person without children who is working full-time is guaranteed a weekly income of at least £180 a week.

Ms Kennedy said: "Tax credits provide extra money for the people who need it most, by supporting work even when wages are low.

"Our research shows that most people with children who are entitled to tax credits know about them and are currently claiming, but there are many people without children who would welcome the extra money but aren't aware of the help they could be getting.

"We have a friendly and professional team of advisers who are ready to speak to anyone who thinks they might be eligible."

People without children are eligible for Working Tax Credit if they are over 25, work more than 30 hours a week and earn less than £11,700 (or £16,300 as a couple).

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