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HMRC letter codes · Tax credits (TC)

TC956Disability helpsheet

Last reviewed 14 October 2026 · How Tax Letters checks its facts

GOV.UK says tax credits ended on 5 April 2025 and no more payments will be made.

GOV.UK: Tax credits: general enquiries · checked 14 October 2026

In short

GOV.UK says the TC956 helpsheet explains the conditions you must meet to qualify for the disability element of Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.

“This guide explains about the conditions you must meet to qualify for the disability element of Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.”

GOV.UK: Tax credits disability helpsheet TC956 · checked 14 October 2026

Information, not advice: this page reports what HMRC, GOV.UK and the bodies named publish about TC956. Each fact has its source and the day it was checked beside it.

What it is

GOV.UK's TC956 page says helpsheets are for guidance only and show HMRC's position at the time of writing.

“Helpsheets are for guidance only and show HMRC’s position at the time of writing.”

GOV.UK: Tax credits disability helpsheet TC956 · checked 14 October 2026

What it asks

GOV.UK's TC956 helpsheet lists 3 conditions: you usually work for 16 hours or more a week, have a disability that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job, and currently get, or have been getting, a qualifying sickness or disability benefit.

“The 3 conditions you must meet are, you … usually work for 16 hours or more a week … have a disability that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job … currently get, or have been getting, a qualifying sickness or disability benefit”

GOV.UK: Tax credits disability helpsheet TC956 · checked 14 October 2026

Time limits and rules

GOV.UK’s guide to applying for more tax credits after a backdated disability benefit decision says to submit your application within one month of being told either that you qualify for the backdated disability benefit or that its rate has been increased. It tells you to read the TC956 helpsheet for all the conditions you need to meet.

“Read Tax credits disability helpsheet TC956 to find out all the conditions you need to meet to get the tax credits payment. … You must submit your application within one month of being told either … you qualify for the backdated disability benefit … the rate of your backdated disability benefit has been increased”

GOV.UK: Apply for an increase in tax credits for a backdated disability benefit decision · checked 14 October 2026

Free help and HMRC contacts

If you have a general question about your tax credits, such as one about a TC956, GOV.UK says to call HMRC on 0300 322 9129. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and GOV.UK links to “Find out about call charges”.

“if you have a general enquiry about your tax credits … Telephone: 0300 322 9129 … Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. … Find out about call charges”

GOV.UK: Tax credits: general enquiries · checked 14 October 2026

Free help first

These routes are described by GOV.UK, TaxAid and Citizens Advice themselves.

  • HMRC's extra supportHMRC offers extra support if your health condition or personal circumstances make it difficult to contact HMRC, for example a mental health condition, financial hardship or being treated in hospital.
  • Someone to deal with HMRC for youYou can authorise a friend, relative or voluntary organisation to talk to HMRC for you and help you fill in forms.
  • TaxAidTaxAid helps people with tax problems who cannot pay for advice. Tax Help for Older People merged with TaxAid in July 2025.
  • Citizens AdviceCitizens Advice gives confidential advice online, over the phone and in person, for free.